If you’re needing air conditioner installation in New Castle, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling bill.
However, there are lots of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often involves a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?
At Central Heating & Plumbing, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 724-401-1843. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.
How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. 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’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 724-401-1843 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is It Smarter to Invest in a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through smaller utility costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, need 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electrity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Central Heating & Plumbing are here to assist you. Call us at 724-401-1843 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.