What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually includes a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?

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

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. 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 unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 641-316-9803 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning bills, since the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings are contingent upon 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 using electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as high 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 typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air across your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Brookwood Inc are ready to support you. Reach us at 641-316-9803 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.