If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Fredericksburg, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.
However, there are a lot of different options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?
At Childress Heating & AC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 540-675-4306. Our skilled 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.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking 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 540-675-4306 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, since the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing 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 costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through reduced electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 refines comfort for your residence while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more power.
When buying 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 depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air around your residence. 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 prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Childress Heating & AC are ready to support you. Give us a call at 540-675-4306 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.