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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking frequently is accompanied by a higher price. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At Siloam Springs Heating & AC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 479-308-8176. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 479-308-8176 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat 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 most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through lower cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, consume 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your utility bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air around your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Siloam Springs Heating & AC are here to help. Call us at 479-308-8176 to request your free home comfort analysis today.