If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Manassas, 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 effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are lots of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating often includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Woody's Sudden Service, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 703-278-2036. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose 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 family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 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 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 703-278-2036 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Woody's Sudden Service are here to support you. Give us a call at 703-278-2036 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.