What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating usually involves a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?

At Stanford Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 812-825-8695. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 812-825-8695 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through lower cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 run at a number of 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 go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cool air around your residence. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Stanford Heating & Cooling are available to help. Reach us at 812-825-8695 to set your free home comfort analysis today.