If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Lodi, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.
However, there are many differing models available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently includes a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?
At Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 209-257-3156. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. 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 influence your family’s comfort. And your utility bills.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 209-257-3156 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling costs, as the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through reduced electric costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your electric expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cold air around your home. 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 advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning are available to support you. Give us a call at 209-257-3156 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.