If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Odessa, you should also be investigating 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 converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.

However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number often includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 432-237-0168. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 number is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 432-237-0168 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility costs, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings relate to 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 using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy 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 cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cold air around your residence. 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Call us at 432-237-0168 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.