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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are a lot of different options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At Fire & Ice HVAC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 703-595-4157. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 703-595-4157 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through smaller electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less power than other new units, 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 different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise 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 specialists at Fire & Ice HVAC are ready to help. Reach us at 703-595-4157 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.