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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are many different options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At Air Masters Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 360-205-7115. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 number is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 360-205-7115 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower utility costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your power costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

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 uses this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air across your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Air Masters Heating & Cooling are ready to support you. Call us at 360-205-7115 to set your free home comfort analysis today.