What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are many differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating often is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Farris Heating & Air, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 918-333-0376. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 918-333-0376 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less energy 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 run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your power expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Farris Heating & Air are here to assist you. Call us at 918-333-0376 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.