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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are a lot of different options to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a higher price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 734-284-1224. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. 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 energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 734-284-1224 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, since the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through smaller air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more power.

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

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help. Reach us at 734-284-1224 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.