If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Northglenn, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.
However, there are lots of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually involves a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?
At Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 303-452-4146. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 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 rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit 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 probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings relate to 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through lower cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new models, 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 fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your utility bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air across your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help. Give us a call at 303-452-4146 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.