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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.

However, there are many differing options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Home Comfort Heating & Air, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 763-276-0617. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner 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.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 763-276-0617 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat 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 highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through lower electric bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your power bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air around your house. Furnaces only work for about 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 specialists at Home Comfort Heating & Air are ready to help. Call us at 763-276-0617 to book your free home comfort analysis now.