What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking typically involves a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request 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 budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 look at the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 203-772-8319 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility costs, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through lower air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy 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 run at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your power expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits 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. Reach us at 203-772-8319 to book your free home comfort analysis now.