What Is a Good SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.

However, there are many different options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually includes a bigger price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

At Controlled Comfort HVAC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 224-412-8308. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you 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 bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 224-412-8308 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through cheaper cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send chilled air throughout 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 enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Controlled Comfort HVAC are ready to help. Give us a call at 224-412-8308 to book your free home comfort analysis today.