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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently involves a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Pliescott HVAC Services LLC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 410-228-4822. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the north 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 house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 410-228-4822 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC bills, because the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through smaller electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use 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 run at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

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 relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air around your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC are available to support you. Call us at 410-228-4822 to request your free home comfort analysis now.