What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Muskogee, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?

At Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 918-682-8238. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. 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 costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 918-682-8238 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

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

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

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send chilled air throughout your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, 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 prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. are ready to assist you. Reach us at 918-682-8238 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.