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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often includes a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 804-302-6657. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. 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 utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 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 ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 804-302-6657 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through smaller air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less power 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 work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electrical bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting 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 Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are here to help. Reach us at 804-302-6657 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.