If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Omaha, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bill.
However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking usually involves a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?
At The Frazier Company, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 402-628-0206. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can influence your family’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the north 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 check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 402-628-0206 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.
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 bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means 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 back throughout the years through lower cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your utility expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more electrity.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at The Frazier Company are available to help. Give us a call at 402-628-0206 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.