What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are many differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

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

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 224-412-8308 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your utility costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to send cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Controlled Comfort HVAC are here to help. Reach us at 224-412-8308 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.