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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical bills.

However, there are lots of differing options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?

At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 952-373-0377. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 952-373-0377 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate 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 utility bills. 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 highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through reduced electric bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your electrical costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send cold air across your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Give us a call at 952-373-0377 to set your free home comfort analysis now.