If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Moline, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bill.
However, there are a lot of different models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?
At J.L. Brady Company LLC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 309-517-7511. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can impact your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.
How Does SEER Rating Impact My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern 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 ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 309-517-7511 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through lower electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your electrical expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 professionals at J.L. Brady Company LLC are here to support you. Reach us at 309-517-7511 to set your free home comfort analysis today.