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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

At Paniccia Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 219-872-2198. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 219-872-2198 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning bills, because the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings depend on 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through smaller electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your utility bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air across your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Paniccia Heating & Cooling are here to support you. Call us at 219-872-2198 to book your free home comfort analysis today.