If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Northridge, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.
However, there are a lot of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently involves a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?
At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at (818) 727-9993. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at (818) 727-9993 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings relate to 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 using electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, consume 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 cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your cooling expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send cold air across your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating are ready to assist you. Reach us at (818) 727-9993 to book your free home comfort analysis today.
