If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Rapid City, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.
However, there are many differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently involves a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?
At Precision Mechanical, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 605-206-3766. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Does SEER Rating Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 605-206-3766 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly manage 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.
When adding 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 equipment’s blower to disperse cold air across your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Precision Mechanical are here to support you. Call us at 605-206-3766 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.
