What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Greater Richmond, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number frequently includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 804-302-6657. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. 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 family’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 804-302-6657 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly change 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 around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through lower utility bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your electrical expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air across your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are here to help. Reach us at 804-302-6657 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.