What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently includes a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?

At True Temp, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 772-202-2963. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 772-202-2963 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility costs, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling costs. 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 big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

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 depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your home. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at True Temp are ready to support you. Give us a call at 772-202-2963 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.