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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are lots of differing options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently involves a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?

At Dearing's Service & Solutions, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 812-200-5844. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 812-200-5844 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send cool air across your residence. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Dearing's Service & Solutions are available to support you. Give us a call at 812-200-5844 to request your free home comfort analysis today.