If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Goshen, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bills.
However, there are lots of different models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking frequently involves a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?
At Just Right Heating and Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 513-392-4969. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy costs.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 513-392-4969 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through smaller electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air around your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Just Right Heating and Cooling are available to assist you. Call us at 513-392-4969 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.
