What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Big Spring, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are many different models available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number often involves a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At SKC AC LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 432-203-4881. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 432-203-4881 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through smaller utility costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less energy 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 varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your utility expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute cool air across your home. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at SKC AC LLC are here to help. Reach us at 432-203-4881 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.