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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are lots of differing options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

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

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

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 northern 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 locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 208-603-2210 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, since the thermostat can automatically change 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature 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 best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules 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 electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your cooling bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Age Heating & Cooling are ready to help. Call us at 208-603-2210 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.