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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are a lot of differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually involves a higher price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 515-207-6569. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 515-207-6569 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling bills, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings depend on 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 ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through smaller air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 operate at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your utility costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling are ready to support you. Give us a call at 515-207-6569 to book your free home comfort analysis now.