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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical costs.

However, there are many varying models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at (818) 727-9993. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at (818) 727-9993 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling costs, since the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling bills. 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 high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through cheaper cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, 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 operate at different speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your energy costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When getting 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 system’s blower to send cold air throughout 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 get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating are here to support you. Give us a call at (818) 727-9993 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.