If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Long Island, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.
However, there are many differing options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently includes a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?
At Airmax Long Island Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 631-737-5566. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick 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 affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 631-737-5566 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is It Smarter to Invest in a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower utility costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your power bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electrity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Airmax Long Island Inc are ready to assist you. Call us at 631-737-5566 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.