What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are lots of varying models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

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

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 203-357-5913 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 cooling bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute cool air across your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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