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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

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 skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at (818) 727-9993 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through smaller power expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, consume 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence 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 electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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