If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Central Point, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.
However, there are lots of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?
At Titan Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 541-286-6617. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can influence your family’s comfort. And your electric expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 541-286-6617 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Optimal?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through smaller cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your utility bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electrity.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Give us a call at 541-286-6617 to request your free home comfort analysis now.