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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are many varying solutions available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically includes a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

At Age Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 208-603-2210. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the north 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 look at the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 208-603-2210 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

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 cooling expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through cheaper power costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When buying 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 unit’s blower to disperse cool air around your home. Furnaces only run for about 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Age Heating & Cooling are here to support you. Give us a call at 208-603-2210 to book your free home comfort analysis now.