August 20, 2020
If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Franklin & South Indy, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bill.
However, there are a lot of differing options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently involves a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?
At Winters Heating and Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 317-406-5382. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose 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 it can influence your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 317-406-5382 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, because the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. 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 better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through reduced electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your energy expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electrity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send cold air across your residence. 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Winters Heating and Cooling are available to help. Reach us at 317-406-5382 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.