If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Carson City, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.
However, there are lots of different options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently involves a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?
At Anderson Heating & A/C, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 775-230-7628. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. 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 electric expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north 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 rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 775-230-7628 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner 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 utility bills, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through smaller air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, use 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your electric expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more energy.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Anderson Heating & A/C are ready to support you. Give us a call at 775-230-7628 to book your free home comfort analysis today.