If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Rockford, 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 chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bill.
However, there are lots of varying solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking typically is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?
At Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at (815)914-6197. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.
How Does SEER Rating Influence My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at (815)914-6197 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric bills, as the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry 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 pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through reduced utility costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, 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 different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute cool air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc are here to help. Give us a call at (815)914-6197 to request your free home comfort analysis now.