What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating often includes a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?

At Paniccia Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 219-872-2198. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.

What Does the SEER Rating 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 not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 219-872-2198 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC costs, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature 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 best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back over the years through smaller air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your utility costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Paniccia Heating & Cooling are ready to help. Call us at 219-872-2198 to set your free home comfort analysis now.