What Is the Right SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

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

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

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 928-263-8570 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through reduced air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electrical bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cool air across your house. Furnaces only work 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling are available to assist you. Call us at 928-263-8570 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.