If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Bartlesville, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy costs.
However, there are lots of differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently involves a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?
At Farris Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 918-333-0376. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.
How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 918-333-0376 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Optimal?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through smaller electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your electric expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more electrity.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to send cold air across your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Farris Heating & Air are here to help. Give us a call at 918-333-0376 to request your free home comfort analysis today.