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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many different options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically includes a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 770-450-1539. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 number is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 770-450-1539 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always 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 high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper electric costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting 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 ACS Heating and Air Conditioning are ready to help. Reach us at 770-450-1539 to book your free home comfort analysis now.