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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating typically is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

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

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at (616) 319-1436 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with major 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, as the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp 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 most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper electric costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your utility expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services are here to help. Reach us at (616) 319-1436 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.