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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical expenses.

However, there are lots of differing models out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually includes a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At County Line Mechanical LLC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 717-216-0846. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does 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 north 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 look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 717-216-0846 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC costs, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are tied to 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 ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

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

One of the greatest 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 home while keeping your electrical bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When adding 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 send cold air across your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at County Line Mechanical LLC are ready to assist you. Call us at 717-216-0846 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.