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. Simply put, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical costs.
However, there are a lot of differing options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking typically involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?
At Gilray Heating and Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 715-301-0727. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 715-301-0727 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through lower power expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electrical expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When getting 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 unit’s blower to send cool air around your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Gilray Heating and Cooling are ready to assist you. Reach us at 715-301-0727 to request your free home comfort analysis now.