What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many different solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?

At AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 800-296-5088. 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.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 800-296-5088 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through reduced electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your electrical expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to send cold air across your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend 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 AZ Air Conditioning and Heating are available to assist you. Call us at 800-296-5088 to request your free home comfort analysis today.