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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

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

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 254-355-3833 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, because 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, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through reduced electric bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest 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 family while keeping your electrical bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air across your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages 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. Call us at 254-355-3833 to book your free home comfort analysis today.