If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Marshalltown, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number frequently involves a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At B & G HVAC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 641-316-3360. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 641-316-3360 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat 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 systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air around your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at B & G HVAC are here to assist you. Call us at 641-316-3360 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.