If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Chadron, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy costs.
However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?
At MPC Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 308-832-4321. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your loved ones’ 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 must be at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 308-832-4321 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, since the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Ideal?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through lower utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less energy 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 different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air around your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at MPC Heating & Cooling are available to help. Give us a call at 308-832-4321 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.