If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Michigan City, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.
However, there are many differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually involves a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your home?
At Paniccia Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 219-872-2198. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at least 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 look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 219-872-2198 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through cheaper air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
When getting 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 equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your residence. 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 Paniccia Heating & Cooling are available to support you. Give us a call at 219-872-2198 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.