If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Philadelphia, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of differing options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically includes a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At Retro HVAC Service & Installation, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 267-277-3851. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 267-277-3851 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively change 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power 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 work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your electrical expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend 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 Retro HVAC Service & Installation are ready to support you. Call us at 267-277-3851 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.