What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy costs.

However, there are lots of differing models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

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

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 715-384-3163 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over time through lower air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family 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 check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air across your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at House of Heating Incorporated are ready to assist you. Call us at 715-384-3163 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.