What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are a lot of different options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently is accompanied by a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?

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

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 724-425-5852 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through reduced power costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy costs reduced. 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 depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air across your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Knoechel Heating are here to help. Call us at 724-425-5852 to book your free home comfort analysis now.