What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often includes a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Ambience HVAC, Inc., we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 302-239-HVAC (4822). Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 302-239-HVAC (4822) for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, 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 bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

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 unit’s blower to send chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Ambience HVAC, Inc. are available to help. Give us a call at 302-239-HVAC (4822) to set your free home comfort analysis now.