If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Bishop, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.
However, there are a lot of varying models to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically includes a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your home?
At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 760-784-9034. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at least 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 760-784-9034 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling bills, as the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your existing 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 costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back over the years through smaller electric costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, 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 house while keeping your electric bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 760-784-9034 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.