If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Florissant, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.
However, there are lots of different options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently involves a more expensive cost. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?
At B & B Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 314-325-7552. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 314-325-7552 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with major 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, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity 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 models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller power bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new models, 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 cool at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at B & B Heating & Cooling are here to support you. Reach us at 314-325-7552 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.