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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy bills.

However, there are many differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often involves a higher price. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 256-270-1196. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. 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 put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 256-270-1196 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper electric bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, use 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your energy expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When adding 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 uses this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning are available to help. Reach us at 256-270-1196 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.