If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Manassas, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bill.
However, there are many differing solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically involves a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?
At Woody's Sudden Service Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 703-278-2036. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 703-278-2036 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing 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 tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is It Smarter to Invest in a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through reduced electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, use 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electrity.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send chilled air across your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend 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 pros at Woody's Sudden Service Inc are available to help. Call us at 703-278-2036 to request your free home comfort analysis today.