If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Haines City, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling bill.
However, there are lots of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking usually involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?
At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 863-216-2923. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 863-216-2923 for support.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is It Smarter to Install a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over time through lower air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your cooling costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air across 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 get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. are here to support you. Reach us at 863-216-2923 to request your free home comfort analysis today.