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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy costs.

However, there are a lot of varying options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically includes a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?

At Farnell Mechanical, Inc., we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 334-524-2458. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 334-524-2458 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings relate to 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 systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned over time through reduced cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electric costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cold air around your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. are here to support you. Give us a call at 334-524-2458 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.