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 means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are many differing options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?

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

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 541-286-6617 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on utility bills, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

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

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

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

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electric costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Give us a call at 541-286-6617 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.