What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Lake Worth, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.

However, there are a lot of differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often involves a more expensive cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Smyth Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 561-533-6066. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. 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 home’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 561-533-6066 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through smaller electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting 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 Smyth Air Conditioning are here to support you. Call us at 561-533-6066 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.