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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating typically is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

At Speedy Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 239-244-3439. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north 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 rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 239-244-3439 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, since the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through lower electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 operate at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your power expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure 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 cool air around your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 professionals at Speedy Air Conditioning are ready to support you. Give us a call at 239-244-3439 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.