What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

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

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 949-204-0859 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through lower cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less electricity 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 refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

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

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Call us at 949-204-0859 to request your free home comfort analysis today.