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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER number often is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc., we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 862-345-6896. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the north 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 condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 862-345-6896 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, 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, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings relate to 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 great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less power 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 cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute cold air around your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. are available to assist you. Give us a call at 862-345-6896 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.