What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are lots of different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number often involves a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?

At Classic Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 614-210-3041. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 614-210-3041 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility costs, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 electrical expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp 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 best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced power expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air around your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Classic Air are available to assist you. Reach us at 614-210-3041 to set your free home comfort analysis now.