If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Mount Pleasant, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling bills.
However, there are many different models on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?
At Olde Towne Heating & Air, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 843-485-0967. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.
Does SEER Rating Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern 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 locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 843-485-0967 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less power than other new units, 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 cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your power expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more power.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air around your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Olde Towne Heating & Air are available to assist you. Reach us at 843-485-0967 to set your free home comfort analysis today.