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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.

However, there are lots of different options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually involves a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 308-624-3485. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. 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 loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the north 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 ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 308-624-3485 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re out.

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 electrical bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through cheaper utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send cold air throughout your residence. Furnaces only run 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 advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help. Reach us at 308-624-3485 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.