If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Shamokin and Sunbury, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.

However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc., we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 570-648-0748. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 570-648-0748 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new units, 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 operate at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your cooling costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cold air around your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. are here to help. Reach us at 570-648-0748 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.