If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Auburn, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.
However, there are lots of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number often involves a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?
At Forster Heating, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 530-885-8081. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 530-885-8081 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility costs, because the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air across your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Forster Heating are available to assist you. Give us a call at 530-885-8081 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.
