If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Macon, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bills.
However, there are many varying options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?
At Air Temperature Control, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 478-202-3170. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical expenses.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 check the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 478-202-3170 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies 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 back over time through smaller power costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power 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 home while keeping your utility bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When getting 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 depends on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Air Temperature Control are available to assist you. Call us at 478-202-3170 to request your free home comfort analysis now.