What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At JTech Mechanical, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 281-231-8768. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 281-231-8768 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling costs, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through reduced air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 operate at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute cool air across your house. 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 receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at JTech Mechanical are available to assist you. Call us at 281-231-8768 to book your free home comfort analysis today.