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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently includes a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?

At Clean Air HVAC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 925-233-6238. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your energy bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 925-233-6238 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling bills, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through smaller air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less power than other new units, 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 work at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Clean Air HVAC are available to assist you. Reach us at 925-233-6238 to set your free home comfort analysis today.