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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy bills.

However, there are many differing models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often involves a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

At Pepper AC & Heat, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 940-202-1184. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 940-202-1184 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric costs, because the thermostat can intuitively change 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 utility bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller electric bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your electrical expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only work for around 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Pepper AC & Heat are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 940-202-1184 to book your free home comfort analysis today.