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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are lots of varying solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating often is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At Cooler Tymes LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 623-208-6444. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed 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 unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 623-208-6444 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical bills, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings relate 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 converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over time through smaller utility costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, use 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 cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your power costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send cold air around your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Cooler Tymes LLC are ready to help. Give us a call at 623-208-6444 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.