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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are lots of different options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually includes a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At AC Sales, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at (337) 234-2345. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose 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 family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at (337) 234-2345 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through smaller utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming 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 because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cold air around your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at AC Sales are available to assist you. Give us a call at (337) 234-2345 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.