What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Crown Point, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

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

However, there are lots of differing solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically includes a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?

At Struven Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 219-292-0956. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 219-292-0956 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 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 ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through smaller electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 operate at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your utility costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only last 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 advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Struven Heating & Cooling are available to assist you. Give us a call at 219-292-0956 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.