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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of different models available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually involves a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 949-204-0859. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. 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 not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 949-204-0859 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate 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 around 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through reduced utility bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your utility expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

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 uses this system’s blower to disperse cold air across your residence. Furnaces only last for about 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to assist you. Call us at 949-204-0859 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.