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 summary, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are lots of differing models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently includes a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

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 experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find 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 family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern 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 look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 432-237-0168 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility bills, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over time through lower power expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less power 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 operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring 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 since your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute cool air across your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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