If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Shamokin and Sunbury, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.
However, there are many varying options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently includes a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?
At LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc., we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 570-648-0748. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 570-648-0748 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric expenses, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your utility bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
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 depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. are available to assist you. Call us at 570-648-0748 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.