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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking usually includes a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At Smyth Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 561-533-6066. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 561-533-6066 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric costs, since the thermostat can intuitively manage 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through smaller electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, 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 run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate 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 since your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to disperse cool air around your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Smyth Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Give us a call at 561-533-6066 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.