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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are many different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

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

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 256-270-1196 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower utility bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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