If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Wharton, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bill.
However, there are lots of different models available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating usually includes a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?
At Faust Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 979-323-6130. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 979-323-6130 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.
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 utility bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is It Better to Buy a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through smaller air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less power than other new models, 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 cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming 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 because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Faust Air Conditioning and Heating are ready to support you. Call us at 979-323-6130 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.