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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bills.

However, there are lots of differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically includes a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At H & H Service Company, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 717-220-4502. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 717-220-4502 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning costs, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust 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 around 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are contingent upon 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through reduced electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power 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 residence while keeping your energy bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute cold air around your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at H & H Service Company are available to help. Give us a call at 717-220-4502 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.