What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Speed Air, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 800-941-0247. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 800-941-0247 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning 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, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity 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 work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your electric bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air across your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Speed Air are available to support you. Reach us at 800-941-0247 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.