If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Dresden, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, 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 good for your electrical costs.
However, there are many varying solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?
At McFadden Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 1-866-781-0111. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 1-866-781-0111 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility costs, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper electric costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at McFadden Heating & Cooling are here to support you. Call us at 1-866-781-0111 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.
