If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Marshalltown, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.
However, there are many differing models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating typically includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?
At Kapaun & Brown, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 641-812-2028. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your utility bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 641-812-2028 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric bills, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility bills. 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 using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your utility bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air across your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Kapaun & Brown are available to support you. Reach us at 641-812-2028 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.