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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy expenses.

However, there are lots of differing options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating typically involves a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 920-833-7967. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northern 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 number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 920-833-7967 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through smaller electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your power bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning are ready to help. Reach us at 920-833-7967 to set your free home comfort analysis today.