If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Sarasota, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric costs.
However, there are many differing models out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically involves a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?
At Airtech Cooling & Heating, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 941-377-7956. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does SEER Rating Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at least 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 941-377-7956 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical expenses, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through lower air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
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 unit’s blower to disperse chilled air across your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Airtech Cooling & Heating are here to support you. Reach us at 941-377-7956 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.