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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric expenses.

However, there are lots of different solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically is accompanied by a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

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

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 540-675-4306 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively change 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 cooling costs. Your savings relate 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 using electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less energy 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 work at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your energy costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest 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 professionals at Childress Heating & AC are here to support you. Give us a call at 540-675-4306 to book your free home comfort analysis now.