If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Delray Beach, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy costs.
However, there are many different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?
At Kilbourne Heating & AC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 561-287-7071. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review 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 rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 561-287-7071 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your electric expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.
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 relies on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Kilbourne Heating & AC are here to support you. Call us at 561-287-7071 to set your free home comfort analysis now.