If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Franklin Lakes, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.
However, there are a lot of varying models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically involves a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?
At Total Comfort, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 201-268-5663. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 201-268-5663 for support.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is It Smarter to Install a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through smaller air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 run at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electrity.
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 depends on this system’s blower to send cold air across your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend 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 Total Comfort are available to support you. Reach us at 201-268-5663 to request your free home comfort analysis today.