What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Palm Coast, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bills.

However, there are lots of varying models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually involves a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 386-313-8766. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 386-313-8766 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through smaller utility bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less power 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 refines comfort for your home while keeping your electric bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse cool air across your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists are here to help. Call us at 386-313-8766 to request your free home comfort analysis today.