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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are many differing models to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically includes a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At Brandywine Heating & Air, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 302-261-3596. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed 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 ranking is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 302-261-3596 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings relate 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 converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through cheaper electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send chilled air around your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Brandywine Heating & Air are ready to support you. Give us a call at 302-261-3596 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.