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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are many differing options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking usually involves a higher price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At E.B. Air, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 979-335-4262. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 979-335-4262 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical bills, since 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, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp 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 highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower power costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new systems, 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 run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your cooling bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air around your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at E.B. Air are here to help. Reach us at 979-335-4262 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.