What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric costs.

However, there are a lot of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking typically is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At TopTec, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 847-362-0262. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 847-362-0262 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC costs, because the thermostat can intuitively 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 around 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through lower power costs. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less energy 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 cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at TopTec are here to assist you. Give us a call at 847-362-0262 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.