If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Pflugerville, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.
However, there are a lot of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often includes a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?
At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 512-355-1482. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 512-355-1482 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches 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 the years through reduced cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your power bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air across your house. Furnaces only run for about 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Reach us at 512-355-1482 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.
