What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Lawrence, you should also be looking at 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 turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually involves a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

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

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

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 785-269-0465 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing 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 relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper utility costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your power costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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