If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Georgetown, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical costs.
However, there are a lot of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently involves a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?
At Miller Climate Control LLC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 512-937-2001. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.
How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government developed 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 512-937-2001 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling bills, since the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Ideal?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through lower power bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less power than other new models, 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 operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electrity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Miller Climate Control LLC are here to assist you. Reach us at 512-937-2001 to request your free home comfort analysis today.