If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Haines City, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number often includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 863-216-2923. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure 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 see the sticker, you can reach us at 863-216-2923 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your electrical expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When getting 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 relies on this equipment’s blower to send cold air around your home. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. are here to assist you. Give us a call at 863-216-2923 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.