If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Auburn, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric costs.

However, there are lots of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Forster Heating, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 530-885-8081. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 530-885-8081 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through reduced cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your cooling bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cool air around your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend 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 pros at Forster Heating are available to assist you. Give us a call at 530-885-8081 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.