If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Streamwood, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how capable 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 cooling expenses.

However, there are lots of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 630-313-2509. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings 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’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 630-313-2509 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility bills, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current 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 temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through smaller cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less power 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 varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning are ready to assist you. Call us at 630-313-2509 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.