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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.

However, there are lots of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often includes a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at (616) 319-1436. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at (616) 319-1436 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC expenses, since the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current 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 are contingent upon 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through lower utility costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services are ready to help. Call us at (616) 319-1436 to set your free home comfort analysis now.