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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy costs.

However, there are many different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking typically involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?

At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 641-628-3621. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find 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 influence your family’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 641-628-3621 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over time through reduced utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating are ready to assist you. Reach us at 641-628-3621 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.