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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical costs.

However, there are many varying options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically involves a higher price. So, how do you know which one is right for your home?

At Premium Air Services LLC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 713-364-9957. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the north 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 unit outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 713-364-9957 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric bills, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to send cold air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Premium Air Services LLC are available to support you. Give us a call at 713-364-9957 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.