If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Tuscaloosa, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bill.
However, there are lots of different models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually includes a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?
At KDM Service Corporation, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 205-208-8090. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can influence your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 205-208-8090 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating 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, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through lower air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electrity.
When buying 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 unit’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at KDM Service Corporation are here to assist you. Give us a call at 205-208-8090 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.