If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Mount Pleasant, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bill.
However, there are a lot of varying solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking usually includes a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?
At Olde Towne Heating & Air, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 843-485-0967. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate 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 go over SEER ratings and how it can influence your family’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.
How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 843-485-0967 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through lower electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electric costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send chilled air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Olde Towne Heating & Air are available to assist you. Reach us at 843-485-0967 to set your free home comfort analysis now.