What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are lots of varying models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?

At Halverson Brothers Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 715-352-4052. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 715-352-4052 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility costs, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp 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 most efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through smaller electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your home. 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 professionals at Halverson Brothers Inc are ready to support you. Reach us at 715-352-4052 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.