If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Libertyville, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bill.
However, there are lots of differing solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number often is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?
At TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 847-362-0262. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility bills.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 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 ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 847-362-0262 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility costs, because the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present 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 tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is It Wiser to Install a High SEER Rating?
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 great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through lower cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new models, 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 work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your cooling costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are ready to support you. Reach us at 847-362-0262 to book your free home comfort analysis today.