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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are many varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating usually includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?

At Strine's, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 717-383-4479. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 717-383-4479 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through lower electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Strine's are here to help. Give us a call at 717-383-4479 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.