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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at 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 many varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number often includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?

At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 805-242-9638. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. 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 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 locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 805-242-9638 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through reduced air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, consume 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 operate at different speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your air conditioning costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute cool air across your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help. Give us a call at 805-242-9638 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.