If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Lodi, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical bills.
However, there are a lot of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?
At Tokay, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 209-257-3156. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. 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 replaced 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 get in touch with us at 209-257-3156 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through lower utility bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
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 relies on this system’s blower to disperse cool air around your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Tokay are available to support you. Give us a call at 209-257-3156 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.