What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bills.

However, there are lots of different models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically includes a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Central Air LLC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 203-357-5913. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 203-357-5913 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

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

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse chilled air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Central Air LLC are ready to assist you. Call us at 203-357-5913 to set your free home comfort analysis today.