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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically involves a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?

At JTech Mechanical, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 281-231-8768. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate 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 impact your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 281-231-8768 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, because the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to send cold air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, 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 specialists at JTech Mechanical are ready to support you. Call us at 281-231-8768 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.