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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are lots of differing solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking typically is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your home?

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

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 336-853-6070 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility costs. 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 converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through reduced power expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your utility bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming 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 due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send cool air across 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 get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at James Heating & A/C, Inc are available to assist you. Reach us at 336-853-6070 to request your free home comfort analysis today.