What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are many different models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically includes a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At B & G HVAC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 641-316-3360. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 641-316-3360 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means 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 returned over the years through cheaper power bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less power than other new units, 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 work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your energy expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When adding 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 uses this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at B & G HVAC are available to help. Give us a call at 641-316-3360 to book your free home comfort analysis today.