If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Erie, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.
However, there are many varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking typically is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?
At Patterson & Stirling Inc, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 814-308-0416. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 814-308-0416 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning 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 spend less on air conditioning expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your existing 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 thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through reduced power costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your power expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more electrity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air across your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest 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 Patterson & Stirling Inc are available to assist you. Give us a call at 814-308-0416 to book your free home comfort analysis now.