If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric expenses.
However, there are a lot of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?
At Lakeside Heating & Air, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 509-284-4265. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 509-284-4265 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation 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 the years through reduced power expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your electrical costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When installing 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 depends on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air around your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Lakeside Heating & Air are here to support you. Reach us at 509-284-4265 to request your free home comfort analysis today.
