What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.

However, there are lots of differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number frequently includes a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 512-355-1482. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the north 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 ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 512-355-1482 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through smaller utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your cooling expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting 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 pros at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Give us a call at 512-355-1482 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.