If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Rapid City, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.
However, there are a lot of differing options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually includes a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?
At Precision Mechanical, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 605-206-3766. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner 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 review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the north 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 number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 605-206-3766 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, use 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 operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute cold air around your residence. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Precision Mechanical are ready to help. Give us a call at 605-206-3766 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.
