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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric costs.

However, there are lots of different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often includes a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?

At Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 715-318-6728. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. 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 installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 715-318-6728 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning costs, 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, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings relate to 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation 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 usually get the difference repaid over time through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical bills low. 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 make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send cold air across your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 pros at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC are here to support you. Call us at 715-318-6728 to set your free home comfort analysis now.