If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Pflugerville, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical expenses.
However, there are lots of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number often is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?
At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 512-355-1482. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electrical costs.
What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed 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’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 512-355-1482 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively 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 around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through reduced electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electrical expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse cool air across your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to assist you. Reach us at 512-355-1482 to book your free home comfort analysis now.
