What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Carson City, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are lots of differing models on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number frequently includes a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?

At Anderson Heating & A/C, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 775-230-7628. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 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 number is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 775-230-7628 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through smaller electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send chilled air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Anderson Heating & A/C are ready to assist you. Call us at 775-230-7628 to request your free home comfort analysis today.