What is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many different options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating usually is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?

At Abilene Air-Tech Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 325-200-4667. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.

How Does SEER Rating Influence My Air Conditioner?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at(325) 692-5850 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning bills, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is It Wiser to Get a High SEER Rating?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper power bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Abilene Air-Tech Inc are ready to help. Reach us at (325) 692-5850 to request your free home comfort analysis today.