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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are lots of different solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Scott Temperature, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 785-269-0465. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 785-269-0465 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower power bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your power bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When getting 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 relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air around your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Scott Temperature are available to help. Call us at 785-269-0465 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.