If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Williamsport, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric costs.
However, there are a lot of varying models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number usually includes a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your residence?
At Lycoming Heating Company, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 570-326-4450. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated 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 look at the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 570-326-4450 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Optimal?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through smaller electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your utility costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more energy.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for around 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Lycoming Heating Company are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 570-326-4450 to request your free home comfort analysis now.