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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling bills.

However, there are lots of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually includes a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Street Heating and Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 605-206-3915. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 605-206-3915 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with major advances 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 adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through lower electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your utility costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying 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 cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Street Heating and Cooling are here to support you. Give us a call at 605-206-3915 to set your free home comfort analysis today.