If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Bend, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.
However, there are a lot of varying models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually includes a more expensive cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?
At Tri County Climate Control LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 541-238-2797. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.
Does SEER Rating Really 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 rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 541-238-2797 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling bills, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through cheaper utility bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cold air across your home. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting 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 professionals at Tri County Climate Control LLC are available to assist you. Reach us at 541-238-2797 to set your free home comfort analysis today.