What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently involves a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?

At HCE Systems, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 276-302-0076. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 276-302-0076 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling bills, because 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through reduced utility costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

When adding 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 uses this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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