If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Hasbrouck Heights, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.
However, there are a lot of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?
At ACE Solutions, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 201-579-2562. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 201-579-2562 for support.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is It Better to Invest in a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows 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 throughout the years through smaller cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse cool air around your home. 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 specialists at ACE Solutions are here to assist you. Reach us at 201-579-2562 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.