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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric costs.

However, there are a lot of varying models to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number often is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

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

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 361-265-4371 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling costs, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature 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 most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through smaller utility costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less electricity 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 run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your utility costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air across your house. Furnaces only last 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Rescue Heating & Air are here to help. Call us at 361-265-4371 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.