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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical costs.

However, there are lots of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often involves a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Gilray Heating and Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 715-301-0727. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 715-301-0727 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility expenses, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through reduced cooling 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 largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting 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 cold air around your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend 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 professionals at Gilray Heating and Cooling are available to support you. Reach us at 715-301-0727 to request your free home comfort analysis now.