What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

At Total Assurance AC & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 361-217-7080. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 361-217-7080 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility costs, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. 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 using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less electricity than other new models, 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 run at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When adding 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 send chilled air around your house. Furnaces only work for around 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Total Assurance AC & Heating are here to support you. Reach us at 361-217-7080 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.