What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Lawrence, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER number frequently includes a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Scott Temperature, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 785-269-0465. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 785-269-0465 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility bills, since the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. 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 greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your energy costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cool air around your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Scott Temperature are ready to help. Call us at 785-269-0465 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.