What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric costs.

However, there are lots of varying options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often includes a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?

At J.L. Brady Company LLC, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 309-517-7511. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric costs.

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 northernmost 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 number is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 309-517-7511 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through smaller electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest 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 improves comfort for your family while keeping your utility bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send cold air around your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at J.L. Brady Company LLC are here to help. Give us a call at 309-517-7511 to set your free home comfort analysis today.