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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of differing models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 519-296-4437. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate 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 go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the north 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 find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 519-296-4437 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are contingent upon 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 converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse cool air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Reach us at 519-296-4437 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.