If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Dresden, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many varying solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating usually is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

At McFadden Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 519-683-2339. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 519-683-2339 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through smaller cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, use 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 cool at different speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When buying 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 depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air around your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 professionals at McFadden Heating & Cooling are ready to assist you. Reach us at 519-683-2339 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.