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. In a nutshell, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.
However, there are lots of differing solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently includes a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?
At Farris Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule 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 home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electrical costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 918-333-0376 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through reduced electric costs. 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 biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to send chilled air across your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Farris Heating & Air are available to support you. Call us at 918-333-0376 to book your free home comfort analysis now.