What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are many varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At E.B. Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 979-335-4262. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 979-335-4262 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric costs, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp 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 highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through cheaper electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electrical expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at E.B. Air are available to support you. Reach us at 979-335-4262 to set your free home comfort analysis today.