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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how capable 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 costs.

However, there are many differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number frequently is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Farris Heating & Air, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 918-333-0376. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 ranking is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 918-333-0376 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC bills, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

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 electricity bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through lower electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work 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 because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cold air around your home. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Farris Heating & Air are here to support you. Give us a call at 918-333-0376 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.