# Shopping For An A/C System? Look For The SEER Rating And The Energy Star Label > The efficiency and performance of HVAC equipment is constantly evolving. The best way to find the most efficient and highest-rated air conditioning equipment is to look for both the Energy Star label... [![high efficiency air conditioning Boston, MA area](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/energy-efficient-HVAC.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/energy-efficient-HVAC.jpg)The efficiency and performance of HVAC equipment is constantly evolving. The best way to find the most efficient and highest-rated air conditioning equipment is to look for both the Energy Star label and the air conditioner's SEER rating. [![high efficiency air conditioning Boston, MA area](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/energy-efficient-HVAC.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/energy-efficient-HVAC.jpg) **SEER ratings** SEER stands for "seasonal energy efficiency ratio." SEER ratings tell you how efficient an air conditioning system is. These ratings are like automobile ratings for safety or mileage; they reflect strict standards to help the public make wise decisions about equipment purchases. The higher the number, the more energy you will save over the operating life of the unit. These ratings are constantly evolving -- what may have been a minimum standard five years ago may not be acceptable today. Older systems usually have SEER ratings of 6 or below, but the lowest SEER allowed by the government today is 13. It's wise to invest in the highest-SEER-rated A/C you can to achieve the greatest energy savings. **Energy Star** An air conditioner displaying the Energy Star label has to meet or exceed high standards set by the federal government. For example: - It must achieve significant energy savings on a national scale. - Its performance and energy efficiency must be able to be tested. - When the equipment is more expensive than conventional equipment, it must recoup the extra cost through energy savings in a reasonable amount of time. - The equipment must use non-proprietary technology, available to all manufacturers. When you're looking for the best in performance, look for the Energy Star label, then for the SEER ratings. By using these standards, you can choose the equipment that will offer you the most savings. Questions? Contact the experts at [Rodenhiser](http://www.rodenhiser.com/). We serve the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts, and we're always happy to help you navigate your heating and cooling options. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* *high-efficiency air conditioning **and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** ***Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning* *serves the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts.* *[Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today](http://rodenhiser.com/)!*** ***Photo courtesy of*** ***[Shutterstock](http://www.shutterstock.com/).*** ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/shopping-for-an-ac-system-look-for-the-seer-rating-and-the-energy-star-label.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/shopping-for-an-ac-system-look-for-the-seer-rating-and-the-energy-star-label.html)