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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.

However, there are lots of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number often is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 314-262-4541. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work 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 go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 314-262-4541 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility costs, as the thermostat can intuitively change 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 around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through smaller electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 refines comfort for your home while keeping your air conditioning costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send cool air across your residence. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend 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 professionals at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating are ready to assist you. Reach us at 314-262-4541 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.