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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling costs.

However, there are many varying solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically involves a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?

At Dave's Diversified Services, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 540-636-3396. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 540-636-3396 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through reduced power bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When adding 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 send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Dave's Diversified Services are available to help. Reach us at 540-636-3396 to book your free home comfort analysis now.