If you’re needing air conditioner installation in McKinney and Frisco, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.

However, there are lots of differing options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number often is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?

At Bell Mechanical Services, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 888-863-0560. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 888-863-0560 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric expenses, because the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current 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 bills. 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through lower cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your utility expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cold air around your home. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Bell Mechanical Services are available to assist you. Call us at 888-863-0560 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.