What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often includes a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?

At Western Mechanical, Inc., we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 435-753-5515. 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.

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

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 435-753-5515 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned over time through reduced power costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cold air across your residence. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Western Mechanical, Inc. are ready to help. Reach us at 435-753-5515 to book your free home comfort analysis today.