If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Kutztown and Breinigsville, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.
However, there are lots of differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently includes a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?
At Moyer Total Indoor Comfort, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 484-646-3363. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 484-646-3363 for support.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling costs, as the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Ranking Optimal?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over time through reduced utility bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need 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 work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your energy costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more power.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute cold air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend 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 pros at Moyer Total Indoor Comfort are ready to assist you. Call us at 484-646-3363 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.