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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually involves a higher price. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 956-553-3265. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 956-553-3265 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility costs, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

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 electrical costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need 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 cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your electric bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. are here to support you. Reach us at 956-553-3265 to request your free home comfort analysis today.