If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Auburn and Opelika, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.
However, there are lots of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your home?
At Farnell Mechanical, Inc., we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 334-524-2458. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can influence your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.
How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. 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 house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 334-524-2458 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical expenses, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Optimal?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over time through reduced utility costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new models, 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 work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your utility bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more electrity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. are ready to help. Reach us at 334-524-2458 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.