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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric costs.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a higher price. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

At Kapaun & Brown, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 641-812-2028. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made 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’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 641-812-2028 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC expenses, as the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature 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 highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your power costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air around your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Kapaun & Brown are here to assist you. Give us a call at 641-812-2028 to book your free home comfort analysis now.