If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Norco and surrounding parishes, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are many differing options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically involves a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at (985) 764-2426. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. 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 influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at (985) 764-2426 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present 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 costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through cheaper electric bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy 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 work at different speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air across your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Mayeuxs AC & Heating are here to support you. Give us a call at (985) 764-2426 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.