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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many different options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At The Frazier Company, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 402-628-0206. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the north 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 rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 402-628-0206 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp 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 best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced utility costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting 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 pros at The Frazier Company are here to help. Give us a call at 402-628-0206 to request your free home comfort analysis now.