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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently includes a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At Home Comfort Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 763-276-0617. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 763-276-0617 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC bills, because the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing 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 temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller power expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your energy expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air across your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Home Comfort Heating & Air are available to help. Call us at 763-276-0617 to book your free home comfort analysis now.