What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of differing models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?

At Luikart Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 740-344-5497. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 740-344-5497 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical expenses, as the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings are contingent upon 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 using electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper power bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your air conditioning bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Luikart Heating & Cooling are available to support you. Reach us at 740-344-5497 to book your free home comfort analysis now.