What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are a lot of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently includes a more expensive price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at (815) 914-6197. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at (815) 914-6197 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC bills, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present 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 bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through smaller electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 work at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your utility bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.

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 relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling are here to support you. Reach us at (815) 914-6197 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.