If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Odessa, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 432-237-0168. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose 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 influence your family’s comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 432-237-0168 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, as the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp 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 best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through cheaper power costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 cool at different speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your energy expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

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 uses this system’s blower to send cool air around your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Reach us at 432-237-0168 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.