If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Eastland, 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 cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy bills.

However, there are many differing options on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number often is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At J & J Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 254-355-3833. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 254-355-3833 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC expenses, as the thermostat can automatically manage 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 expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send cold air around your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at J & J Air Conditioning are available to help. Reach us at 254-355-3833 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.