If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Holbrook, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of differing models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?

At Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 631-460-5159. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 631-460-5159 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, because 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, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper electric costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation are here to help. Reach us at 631-460-5159 to book your free home comfort analysis now.