If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.
However, there are lots of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?
At Halverson Brothers Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 715-352-4052. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy bills.
How Does SEER Rating Impact My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 715-352-4052 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Optimal?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Halverson Brothers Inc are available to support you. Reach us at 715-352-4052 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.