What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling bills.

However, there are a lot of varying models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking frequently involves a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Appalachian Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 304-707-0600. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the north 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 rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 304-707-0600 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate 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 electrical 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 better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower electric bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your energy expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Appalachian Heating are here to assist you. Call us at 304-707-0600 to request your free home comfort analysis today.