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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling costs.

However, there are many different options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At Lanz Furnace and Fireplace, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 608-291-3606. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 608-291-3606 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing 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 a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through lower air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend 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 professionals at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace are ready to help. Call us at 608-291-3606 to book your free home comfort analysis today.