If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Lincoln, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy bills.
However, there are lots of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?
At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 402-438-7992. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 402-438-7992 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current 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 bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature 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 best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your electrical expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
When installing 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 unit’s blower to distribute cool air around your residence. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at AW Heating & Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Reach us at 402-438-7992 to book your free home comfort analysis today.
