If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Winnipeg, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.
However, there are lots of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently includes a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?
At Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 204-272-8128. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Does SEER Rating Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. 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 installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 204-272-8128 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility bills, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need 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 run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without needing 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 chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning are available to support you. Give us a call at 204-272-8128 to set your free home comfort analysis now.
