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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.

However, there are lots of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number usually is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At County Line Mechanical LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 717-216-0846. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate 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 go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. 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 unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 717-216-0846 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 electricity costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower electric bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your utility expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting 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 specialists at County Line Mechanical LLC are available to assist you. Call us at 717-216-0846 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.