What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling costs.

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

At Durable Service, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 308-995-8177. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. 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 electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 308-995-8177 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility costs, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp 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 most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your air conditioning expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Durable Service are available to support you. Reach us at 308-995-8177 to request your free home comfort analysis now.