If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Los Angeles, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bill.
However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently involves a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?
At AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 800-296-5088. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 800-296-5088 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility bills, as the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is It Smarter to Get a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through reduced power costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cold air across your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating are here to support you. Reach us at 800-296-5088 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.