What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently includes a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At Olde Towne Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 843-485-0967. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 843-485-0967 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning bills, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present 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 costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference returned over time through lower air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy 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 operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

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 equipment’s blower to distribute cool air around your house. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Olde Towne Heating & Air are here to assist you. Give us a call at 843-485-0967 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.