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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.

However, there are lots of different options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking typically includes a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 314-262-4541. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 put in or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 314-262-4541 for support.

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

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings relate 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 ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through reduced electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send chilled air around your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating are available to help. Call us at 314-262-4541 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.