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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?

At Edington Heating & Cooling Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 937-558-9478. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric expenses.

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 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 unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 937-558-9478 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly 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 close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your power bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 937-558-9478 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.