If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Newton, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bill.
However, there are lots of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?
At Brookwood Inc, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 641-316-9803. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate 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 it can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.
How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 641-316-9803 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is It Better to Invest in a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back over the years through cheaper cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electrity.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cold air across your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Brookwood Inc are available to assist you. Call us at 641-316-9803 to request your free home comfort analysis today.