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

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

However, there are a lot of different models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?

At James Heating & A/C, Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 336-853-6070. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 336-853-6070 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies 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 repaid over time through smaller cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest 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 air conditioning bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse chilled air around your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at James Heating & A/C, Inc are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 336-853-6070 to book your free home comfort analysis today.