What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy bills.

However, there are many different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

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

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 740-344-5497 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need 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 varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your utility expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air around your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Luikart Heating & Cooling are ready to help. Call us at 740-344-5497 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.