If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Heflin, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are many varying options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

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

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 256-270-1196 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through lower utility costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning are available to support you. Call us at 256-270-1196 to request your free home comfort analysis today.