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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently includes a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

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

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 812-200-5844 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric bills, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings are tied 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 highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through smaller electric bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your cooling bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Dearing's Service & Solutions are available to support you. Reach us at 812-200-5844 to request your free home comfort analysis now.