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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are lots of different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often involves a higher price. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

At Watts Electric & AC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 601-736-7362. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 601-736-7362 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. 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 gone.

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 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 best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over the years through reduced cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your electrical expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming 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 uses this system’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Watts Electric & AC are available to help. Reach us at 601-736-7362 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.