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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often involves a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At House of Heating Incorporated, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 715-384-3163. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 find the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 715-384-3163 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric expenses, since 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, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through reduced air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding 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 send cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise 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 available to help. Reach us at 715-384-3163 to request your free home comfort analysis now.