If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Columbus, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bill.
However, there are many different models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?
At Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 614-451-0846. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can affect your family’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 baseline 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 find the sticker, you can reach us at 614-451-0846 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, as the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Optimal?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your energy bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electrity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send chilled air around 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 advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling are here to support you. Call us at 614-451-0846 to book your free home comfort analysis today.