What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Genoa, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling bills.

However, there are lots of different options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually involves a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?

At Assured Appliance & Heating & Air, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 847-306-8990. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to 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 locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 847-306-8990 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with big progress 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 automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through lower cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming 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 since your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute cool air around your house. 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 get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air are available to assist you. Call us at 847-306-8990 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.