If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in The Bay Area, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.

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

At Contra Costa Heating & AC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 510-343-9841. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed 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’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 510-343-9841 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through lower electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, 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 work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air across your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Contra Costa Heating & AC are here to support you. Give us a call at 510-343-9841 to set your free home comfort analysis now.