If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Dresden, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.
However, there are a lot of differing models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually is accompanied by a higher price. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?
At McFadden Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 1-866-781-0111. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. 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 loved ones’ comfort. And your energy bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 1-866-781-0111 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through cheaper cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at McFadden Heating & Cooling are here to help. Reach us at 1-866-781-0111 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.
