What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy expenses.

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

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

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 918-212-8943 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing 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 are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through cheaper electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your cooling expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run 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 unit’s blower to disperse cold air across your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Air Service Co. are ready to support you. Call us at 918-212-8943 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.