If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Manassas, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.
However, there are a lot of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?
At Air-Right Energy Design, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 703-260-1148. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 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 put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 703-260-1148 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 different speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your electrical costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need 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 send cool air across your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise 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 specialists at Air-Right Energy Design are available to support you. Reach us at 703-260-1148 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.
