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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are many differing models to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking typically involves a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At US Air Heating and Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 803-220-0761. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 803-220-0761 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical costs, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 electrical bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through lower cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send cold air throughout 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 enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at US Air Heating and Cooling are ready to help. Give us a call at 803-220-0761 to set your free home comfort analysis today.