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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of varying models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating usually includes a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?

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

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 785-269-0465 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings relate to 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through lower utility costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less electricity 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 cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Scott Temperature are here to assist you. Call us at 785-269-0465 to book your free home comfort analysis today.