If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Tomball, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric costs.
However, there are a lot of varying models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking typically is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?
At Premium Air Services LLC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 713-364-9957. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical bills.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. 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 don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 713-364-9957 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, since the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing 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 relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through cheaper utility costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new units, 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 fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electrical expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electrity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout 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 receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Premium Air Services LLC are available to assist you. Give us a call at 713-364-9957 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.