What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling costs.

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

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

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 724-425-5852 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical costs, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper power expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse cold air across your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Knoechel Heating are ready to support you. Reach us at 724-425-5852 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.