If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Marshfield, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy expenses.

However, there are many varying models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number often is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?

At House of Heating Incorporated, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 715-384-3163. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. 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 affect your family’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 715-384-3163 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings relate to 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 using electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper electric costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less power 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 run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your air conditioning costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.

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 unit’s blower to distribute cool air around your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting 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 House of Heating Incorporated are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 715-384-3163 to book your free home comfort analysis today.