If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Jefferson City, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are lots of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently includes a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At Stieferman Heating Company Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 573-635-3547. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 573-635-3547 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings depend on 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 using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through smaller cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, need 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Stieferman Heating Company Inc are here to assist you. Give us a call at 573-635-3547 to book your free home comfort analysis today.