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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are a lot of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically involves a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?

At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 956-630-3522. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 number is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 956-630-3522 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC costs, since the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility costs. 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 using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through reduced power bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run 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 balanced, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. are ready to help. Give us a call at 956-630-3522 to set your free home comfort analysis today.