What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy costs.

However, there are many different options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating frequently includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 203-772-8319. Our skilled 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.

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

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 203-772-8319 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting 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 guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through smaller cooling costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air across your residence. 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning are here to assist you. Give us a call at 203-772-8319 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.