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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing models to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

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

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. 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 year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical expenses, since the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 cooling bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure 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 residence. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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