If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling costs.

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

At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at (985) 764-2426. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at (985) 764-2426 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 cooling expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse chilled air throughout your house. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest 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 pros at Mayeuxs AC & Heating are ready to help. Give us a call at (985) 764-2426 to book your free home comfort analysis today.