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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of differing models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking typically involves a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?

At Watts Electric & AC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 601-736-7362. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate 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 home’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 601-736-7362 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper power bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, 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 run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding 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 unit’s blower to disperse cool air across your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Watts Electric & AC are ready to support you. Call us at 601-736-7362 to request your free home comfort analysis now.