What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are a lot of different options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often includes a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At Miller Climate Control LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 512-937-2001. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 512-937-2001 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate 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 close to 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest 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 family while keeping your utility bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Miller Climate Control LLC are here to support you. Reach us at 512-937-2001 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.