If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Payson, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy bill.
However, there are a lot of varying models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically involves a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?
At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 928-263-8570. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your home’s 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 northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 928-263-8570 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through cheaper electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your power costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air around your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling are available to help. Call us at 928-263-8570 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.