What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are a lot of varying options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking usually includes a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At Air Service Co., we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 918-212-8943. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at least 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 system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 918-212-8943 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, as the thermostat can automatically manage 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 air conditioning costs. Your savings are contingent upon 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 using electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through reduced air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting 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 Air Service Co. are available to assist you. Call us at 918-212-8943 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.