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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating often includes a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At MPC Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 308-832-4321. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 308-832-4321 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings relate to 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at MPC Heating & Cooling are ready to assist you. Call us at 308-832-4321 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.