What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

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

However, there are many different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually includes a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 949-204-0859. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 949-204-0859 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through cheaper cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less electricity than other new systems, 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 different speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your electrical costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

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

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Give us a call at 949-204-0859 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.