If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.
However, there are many varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating typically is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?
At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at (985) 764-2426. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at (985) 764-2426 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume 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 operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Mayeuxs AC & Heating are ready to assist you. Reach us at (985) 764-2426 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.
