If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Wausau, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.
However, there are a lot of different models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically includes a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?
At Gilray Heating and Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 715-301-0727. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy costs.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 715-301-0727 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling expenses, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through smaller air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your electric bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Gilray Heating and Cooling are available to help. Give us a call at 715-301-0727 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.