What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently includes a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

At Brookwood Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 641-316-9803. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 641-316-9803 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through reduced electric bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute cold air across your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Brookwood Inc are ready to support you. Give us a call at 641-316-9803 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.