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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

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

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 715-318-6728 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through smaller power expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute cold air around your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC are available to support you. Call us at 715-318-6728 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.