What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric expenses.

However, there are lots of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking frequently involves a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Myers Furnace Company, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 816-249-1619. Our experienced 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.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 816-249-1619 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC expenses, since the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. 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 greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through smaller electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run 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 uses this equipment’s blower to send cold air across your house. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Myers Furnace Company are here to help. Give us a call at 816-249-1619 to set your free home comfort analysis today.