If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Northglenn, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.
However, there are a lot of differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically involves a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?
At Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 303-452-4146. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 303-452-4146 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, since the thermostat can automatically manage 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 close to 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is It Better to Get a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through lower power bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your electric expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to send cool air around your house. 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 advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. are ready to help. Give us a call at 303-452-4146 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.