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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually involves a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?

At Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 405-494-7444. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 405-494-7444 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through reduced electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, 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 cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electrical bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse cool air around your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest 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 specialists at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to assist you. Call us at 405-494-7444 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.