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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are many different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?

At All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 256-801-4701. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. 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 don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 256-801-4701 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your power costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When installing 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 send cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc are here to help. Reach us at 256-801-4701 to book your free home comfort analysis today.