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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.

However, there are lots of different options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

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

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 956-630-3522 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical costs, because the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings relate to 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. 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 usually get the difference back throughout the years through reduced utility costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently 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 run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your cooling costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. are ready to support you. Reach us at 956-630-3522 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.