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. Basically, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are lots of varying solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently includes a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

At Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 308-624-3485. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 308-624-3485 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through smaller air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new units, 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 run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning expenses low. 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 uses this equipment’s blower to send cold air around your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 specialists at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Reach us at 308-624-3485 to set your free home comfort analysis today.