If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Marshalltown, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.
However, there are many different models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking typically includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?
At Kapaun & Brown, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 641-812-2028. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to 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 put in or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 641-812-2028 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend 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 here to help. Call us at 641-812-2028 to book your free home comfort analysis today.