If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Houston, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.
However, there are many varying solutions out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating typically involves a higher price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?
At Air Current AC & Heat, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 713-322-4318. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical bills.
What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 713-322-4318 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through smaller cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less power 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 run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your energy costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Air Current AC & Heat are ready to help. Give us a call at 713-322-4318 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.