What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Wyandotte, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.

However, there are lots of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually includes a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?

At Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 734-284-1224. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern 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 locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 734-284-1224 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through cheaper electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less power than other new models, 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 operate at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cold air across your residence. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help. Give us a call at 734-284-1224 to set your free home comfort analysis today.