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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of varying options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

At Superior Comfort Systems, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 828-202-7025. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 828-202-7025 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical 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 using electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through lower cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Superior Comfort Systems are here to help. Reach us at 828-202-7025 to book your free home comfort analysis now.