What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Tomball, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical expenses.

However, there are many varying models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?

At Premium Air Services LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 713-364-9957. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 713-364-9957 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC costs, because the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, use 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your utility expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air around your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Premium Air Services LLC are here to support you. Give us a call at 713-364-9957 to set your free home comfort analysis today.