What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently includes a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At Controlled Comfort HVAC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 224-412-8308. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the north 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 system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 224-412-8308 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively manage 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 close to 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through smaller power bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your electric bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting 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 specialists at Controlled Comfort HVAC are here to support you. Give us a call at 224-412-8308 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.