If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric costs.
However, there are a lot of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?
At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at (985) 764-2426. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can influence your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at (985) 764-2426 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through smaller cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your electrical costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send cold air around your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Mayeuxs AC & Heating are available to help. Give us a call at (985) 764-2426 to set your free home comfort analysis today.