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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of differing options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Central Air LLC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 203-357-5913. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 203-357-5913 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, use 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your energy costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send cool air across your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 specialists at Central Air LLC are here to help. Call us at 203-357-5913 to set your free home comfort analysis now.