If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Warrenton, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are many varying models to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically involves a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 636-456-5041. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’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’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 636-456-5041 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through reduced electric bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send cold air throughout 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning are here to assist you. Give us a call at 636-456-5041 to book your free home comfort analysis now.