What is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

August 20, 2020

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bill.

However, there are many differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

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

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 put in or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 772-247-2283 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is It Better to Buy a High SEER Rating?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through smaller power expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 run at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electrity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Custom Air Systems Inc are available to assist you. Call us at 772-247-2283 to set your free home comfort analysis now.