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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric costs.

However, there are a lot of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually involves a higher price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?

At Colvin's Heating and Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 816-379-3918. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’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 baseline 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 816-379-3918 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility bills, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning 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 converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper utility costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your power bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute cold air around your home. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Colvin's Heating and Cooling are here to support you. Reach us at 816-379-3918 to set your free home comfort analysis now.