What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Florissant and St. Charles, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of different models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often includes a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

At B & B Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 314-325-7552. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 314-325-7552 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric expenses, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through cheaper 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring 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 due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at B & B Heating & Cooling are available to assist you. Reach us at 314-325-7552 to book your free home comfort analysis today.