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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are lots of varying options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently involves a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Childress Heating & AC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 540-675-4306. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must 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 put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 540-675-4306 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, since the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

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 costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through smaller cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Childress Heating & AC are ready to assist you. Call us at 540-675-4306 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.