If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Murrieta, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bill.
However, there are a lot of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating often includes a more expensive cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?
At Cool Air Solutions, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 951-299-9853. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. 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’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 951-299-9853 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility 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 using electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through smaller power costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute cool air across your house. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Cool Air Solutions are here to help. Give us a call at 951-299-9853 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.