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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are many differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating frequently involves a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 760-784-9034. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner 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.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 760-784-9034 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility bills, because the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 air conditioning bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air around your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning are available to support you. Reach us at 760-784-9034 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.