What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical bills.

However, there are lots of different options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating frequently involves a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?

At Titan Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 541-286-6617. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created 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 unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 541-286-6617 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re away.

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

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your utility expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning are here to assist you. Call us at 541-286-6617 to set your free home comfort analysis today.