What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy costs.

However, there are many varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating frequently includes a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At HCE Systems, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 276-302-0076. Our skilled 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.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 276-302-0076 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly adjust 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 electricity bills. Your savings relate 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 most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference back over time through smaller air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power 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 different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at HCE Systems are ready to assist you. Reach us at 276-302-0076 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.