If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Lincoln, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.
However, there are a lot of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically is accompanied by a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?
At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 402-438-7992. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 402-438-7992 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is It Smarter to Buy a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller power bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity 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 run at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electrity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send chilled air around your home. Furnaces only run 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 advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at AW Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help. Call us at 402-438-7992 to book your free home comfort analysis now.