If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Pella, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bill.
However, there are lots of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically involves a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?
At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 641-628-3621. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 641-628-3621 for support.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is It Better to Buy a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through reduced cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need 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 work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electrical expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more electrity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your residence. 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 enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating are available to support you. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 to request your free home comfort analysis now.