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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are lots of varying options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating typically includes a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 760-784-9034. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 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 rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 760-784-9034 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility expenses, because the thermostat can automatically manage 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 relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through reduced cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your utility expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When getting 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 system’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 760-784-9034 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.