If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Houston, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bill.
However, there are lots of different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often involves a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?
At Marcos AC & Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 713-469-3357. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 713-469-3357 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your utility costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send cold air across your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest 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 specialists at Marcos AC & Heating are available to support you. Reach us at 713-469-3357 to request your free home comfort analysis today.