If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Magnolia, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.
However, there are lots of different options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently includes a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?
At JTech Mechanical, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 281-231-8768. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 number is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 281-231-8768 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, since the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Ideal?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your power expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at JTech Mechanical are here to support you. Call us at 281-231-8768 to book your free home comfort analysis now.