What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many different options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

At Knoechel Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 724-425-5852. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made 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 not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 724-425-5852 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility expenses, as the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cold air across your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Knoechel Heating are here to support you. Give us a call at 724-425-5852 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.