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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy expenses.

However, there are lots of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently involves a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At May's Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 301-690-0397. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 301-690-0397 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper utility bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your power costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute cool air around your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at May's Heating & Air are ready to support you. Call us at 301-690-0397 to book your free home comfort analysis today.