If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Kankakee, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.
However, there are many differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often includes a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?
At Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 815-933-8213. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate 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 influence your family’s comfort. And your electrical costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at least 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 815-933-8213 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.
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 cooling bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through lower utility bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 specialists at Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating are available to support you. Give us a call at 815-933-8213 to request your free home comfort analysis today.