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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of differing options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating often involves a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?

At Central Heating & Plumbing, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 724-401-1843. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 724-401-1843 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric costs, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. 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 converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your electrical expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your house. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Central Heating & Plumbing are here to support you. Reach us at 724-401-1843 to book your free home comfort analysis now.