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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.

However, there are many varying options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating typically is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 740-474-5940. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner 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 go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know 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 house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 740-474-5940 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, since the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse cool air across your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling are available to support you. Reach us at 740-474-5940 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.