What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of varying models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often involves a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?

At Smyth Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 561-533-6066. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner 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 review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be 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 installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 561-533-6066 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC costs, since the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through smaller utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 work at different speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air across your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Smyth Air Conditioning are ready to assist you. Call us at 561-533-6066 to set your free home comfort analysis today.