If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Oxford, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.
However, there are many different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?
At Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 662-281-1231. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 locate the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 662-281-1231 for support.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical expenses, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through smaller electric costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
When getting 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 relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc are here to help. Give us a call at 662-281-1231 to request your free home comfort analysis now.