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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?

At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 519-296-4437. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. 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 loved ones’ comfort. And your electric expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made 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’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 519-296-4437 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning expenses, since the thermostat can automatically regulate 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through lower electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electric costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to support you. Call us at 519-296-4437 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.