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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.

However, there are many differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating often is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

At Durable Service, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 308-995-8177. 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.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 308-995-8177 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning bills, because the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility costs. 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your cooling expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air across your residence. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Durable Service are here to help. Reach us at 308-995-8177 to book your free home comfort analysis now.