What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.

However, there are many differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently involves a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At Dearing's Service & Solutions, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 812-200-5844. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 812-200-5844 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly 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 spend less on utility bills, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting 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 temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper power expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your energy costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cool air across your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Dearing's Service & Solutions are ready to support you. Call us at 812-200-5844 to request your free home comfort analysis today.