What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Highlands Ranch, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy expenses.

However, there are many varying options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?

At PS Cool Heat, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 720-613-2210. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 720-613-2210 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past several 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 utility bills, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over the years through reduced cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electrical bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at PS Cool Heat are ready to assist you. Reach us at 720-613-2210 to book your free home comfort analysis now.