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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many differing models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At Street Heating and Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 605-206-3915. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick 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 affect your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. 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 not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 605-206-3915 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding 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 temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through reduced electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, consume 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When getting 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 equipment’s blower to distribute cool air across your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Street Heating and Cooling are ready to assist you. Reach us at 605-206-3915 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.