If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Winnipeg, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.
However, there are a lot of varying models out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?
At Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 204-272-8128. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate 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 review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 204-272-8128 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings relate to 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 using electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through smaller air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your home. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Reach us at 204-272-8128 to set your free home comfort analysis now.
