What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy costs.

However, there are lots of differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking usually includes a more expensive cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At House of Heating Incorporated, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 715-384-3163. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 715-384-3163 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through cheaper power bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your energy costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air across your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at House of Heating Incorporated are available to help. Give us a call at 715-384-3163 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.