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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy expenses.

However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

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

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. 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 put in or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 308-832-4321 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, since 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, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through cheaper air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your electrical bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air across your house. 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at MPC Heating & Cooling are available to support you. Call us at 308-832-4321 to set your free home comfort analysis today.