If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.
However, there are many varying solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?
At Lakeside Heating & Air, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 509-284-4265. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your utility expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 509-284-4265 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
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 cooling expenses. Your savings relate to 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back over the years through reduced electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your power expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When installing 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 send cool air across your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Lakeside Heating & Air are here to assist you. Call us at 509-284-4265 to set your free home comfort analysis now.