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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating often involves a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?

At Moyer Total Indoor Comfort, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 484-646-3363. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be 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 number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 484-646-3363 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC costs, because the thermostat can automatically manage 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 around 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through smaller air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting 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 Moyer Total Indoor Comfort are ready to help. Call us at 484-646-3363 to request your free home comfort analysis now.