What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling costs.

However, there are a lot of different options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

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

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 713-364-9957 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC costs, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

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 utility expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the 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, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through smaller electric 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 greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your utility bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to disperse cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Premium Air Services LLC are here to help. Reach us at 713-364-9957 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.