If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Crystal and Twin Cities, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bill.
However, there are a lot of differing options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?
At GV Heating & Air, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 763-535-2000. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 763-535-2000 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. 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 converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through smaller electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less electricity 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 work at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at GV Heating & Air are here to support you. Give us a call at 763-535-2000 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.