If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Newark, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.
However, there are many differing options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually includes a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?
At Luikart Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 740-200-5591. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be 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 residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 740-200-5591 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling costs, because the thermostat can automatically manage 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through cheaper cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air throughout your house. Furnaces only last 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Luikart Heating & Cooling are ready to support you. Call us at 740-200-5591 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.