If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in West Columbia, 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 capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.
However, there are lots of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently involves a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?
At Tri City Fuel & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 803-265-4208. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 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 rating is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 803-265-4208 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through cheaper electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Tri City Fuel & Heating are ready to support you. Reach us at 803-265-4208 to book your free home comfort analysis today.
