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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are lots of varying options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently includes a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?

At Goode Bros AC & Heating, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 903-284-2612. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 903-284-2612 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility bills, because the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings depend on 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 ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through lower electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Goode Bros AC & Heating are here to help. Reach us at 903-284-2612 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.