What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

At ACE Solutions, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 201-579-2562. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 rating is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 201-579-2562 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through lower cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest 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 home while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send chilled air across your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at ACE Solutions are ready to assist you. Reach us at 201-579-2562 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.