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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are many different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking typically involves a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At SchagrinGAS Company, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 302-231-1380. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 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 installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 302-231-1380 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility costs, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through lower electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less power 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 improves comfort for your family while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend 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 specialists at SchagrinGAS Company are ready to help. Give us a call at 302-231-1380 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.