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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 740-474-5940. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 740-474-5940 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through reduced air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electric bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling are available to help. Give us a call at 740-474-5940 to set your free home comfort analysis now.