What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Payson, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.

However, there are lots of varying models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 928-263-8570. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the north 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 ranking is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 928-263-8570 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through smaller air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cold air across your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling are available to assist you. Call us at 928-263-8570 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.