If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Delray Beach, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric expenses.
However, there are lots of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating usually includes a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?
At Kilbourne Heating & AC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 561-287-7071. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical costs.
How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 561-287-7071 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric costs, because 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 expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Ideal?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned over time through reduced utility costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your cooling expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more electrity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Kilbourne Heating & AC are available to help. Reach us at 561-287-7071 to set your free home comfort analysis today.