If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Arlington, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bill.
However, there are a lot of differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number frequently includes a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?
At Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 360-255-5857. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy costs.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 360-255-5857 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC bills, since the thermostat can intuitively 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 electricity costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Ranking Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, 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 operate at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your cooling bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more electrity.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Call us at 360-255-5857 to book your free home comfort analysis now.