What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Port St. Lucie, you should also be considering 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 converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At Custom Air Systems Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 772-247-2283. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 772-247-2283 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re out.

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 utility bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through smaller power costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your utility bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Custom Air Systems Inc are here to assist you. Call us at 772-247-2283 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.