What Should My Air Conditioners SEER Rating Be?

August 20, 2020

If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in West Valley City, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical bill.

However, there are a lot of different models on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating frequently involves a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 801-305-4777. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 801-305-4777 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Ranking Ideal?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over time through reduced power bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electrical expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send cold air around your house. 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 receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help. Reach us at 801-305-4777 to request your free home comfort analysis today.