What Is the Right SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical expenses.

However, there are lots of different models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking typically involves a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At Refrigeration Systems Ltd., we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 778-693-2532. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at least 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 778-693-2532 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can automatically 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 close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings relate 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 using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through smaller cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your electric expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend 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 pros at Refrigeration Systems Ltd. are available to help. Give us a call at 778-693-2532 to book your free home comfort analysis now.