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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are many different options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often includes a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At Rescue Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 361-265-4371. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 361-265-4371 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC costs, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are tied to 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through lower electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less electricity than other new systems, 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 varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your electric costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse cool air across your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Rescue Heating & Air are available to assist you. Reach us at 361-265-4371 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.