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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.

However, there are many differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently includes a higher price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

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 budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 715-318-6728 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your cooling costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse cold air around your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting 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 professionals at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC are available to assist you. Call us at 715-318-6728 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.