If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in York, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.
However, there are many differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number often involves a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?
At Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 717-383-4479. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 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 number is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 717-383-4479 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is It Wiser to Get a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through lower air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your electrical costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring 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 since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air across your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning are here to assist you. Call us at 717-383-4479 to request your free home comfort analysis now.