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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At Rescue Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 361-265-4371. Our skilled 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.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 361-265-4371 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical costs, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through smaller utility bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 operate at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your energy costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute cold air around your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Rescue Heating & Air are here to help. Call us at 361-265-4371 to request your free home comfort analysis now.