What Is the Right SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric expenses.

However, there are lots of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER number often is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

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

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 number is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 203-357-5913 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings relate 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less power than other new units, 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 a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your cooling expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air around your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Central Air LLC are here to support you. Give us a call at 203-357-5913 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.