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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical expenses.

However, there are lots of different models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

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

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 770-450-1539 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling costs, as the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current 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 expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through smaller electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, use 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute cool air around your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 specialists at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Reach us at 770-450-1539 to set your free home comfort analysis now.