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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy expenses.

However, there are many different solutions available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number usually includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?

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

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. 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 unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 717-220-4502 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back over the years through reduced air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, use 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 run at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your power bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at H & H Service Company are available to support you. Call us at 717-220-4502 to request your free home comfort analysis now.