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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.

However, there are lots of differing solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At Booneville Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 662-269-8716. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 662-269-8716 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through lower air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity 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 run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Booneville Heating & Cooling are ready to support you. Reach us at 662-269-8716 to book your free home comfort analysis today.