What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually involves a more expensive cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?

At Freed Heating & Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 309-323-9584. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 309-323-9584 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced utility costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, 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 work at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When adding 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 system’s blower to distribute cool air around your house. Furnaces only last 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Reach us at 309-323-9584 to request your free home comfort analysis now.