What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Alice, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of differing models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?

At Rescue Heating & Air, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 361-265-4371. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the north 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 rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 361-265-4371 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC bills, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present 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 costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means 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 returned throughout the years through reduced air conditioning expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less power than other new models, 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 refines comfort for your home while keeping your cooling bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air around your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Rescue Heating & Air are ready to support you. Reach us at 361-265-4371 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.