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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.

However, there are lots of differing options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At Vogts Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 208-621-0129. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find 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 review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 208-621-0129 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, as 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, getting 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 highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over time through cheaper power costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your power expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air around your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Vogts Heating & Air are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 208-621-0129 to request your free home comfort analysis today.