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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.

However, there are lots of varying solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually involves a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 360-255-5857. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer 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 bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 360-255-5857 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling costs, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through cheaper power expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting 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 relies on this system’s blower to send cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for around 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning are available to help. Call us at 360-255-5857 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.