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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.

However, there are a lot of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking frequently includes a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

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

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 862-345-6896 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, since the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings are contingent upon 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 converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through cheaper electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, need 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your electrical expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. are ready to support you. Reach us at 862-345-6896 to set your free home comfort analysis today.