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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling bills.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently involves a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?

At H&C Heating and Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 301-960-3247. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the north 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 rating is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 301-960-3247 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical expenses, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over time through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest 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 residence while keeping your energy bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your home. Furnaces only work 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 advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at H&C Heating and Cooling are available to help. Call us at 301-960-3247 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.