What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.

However, there are many different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently involves a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 800-296-5088. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. 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 number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 800-296-5088 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric bills, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present 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 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 better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller power expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new models, 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 run at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your energy costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air across your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating are ready to support you. Reach us at 800-296-5088 to book your free home comfort analysis now.