If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Eastland, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.
However, there are a lot of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking typically includes a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?
At J & J Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 254-355-3833. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical bills.
What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made 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 number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 254-355-3833 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling costs, because the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through lower air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new models, 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 work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to disperse cold air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at J & J Air Conditioning are available to support you. Call us at 254-355-3833 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.
