What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical bills.

However, there are lots of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At Anderson Heating & A/C, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 775-854-9700. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 775-854-9700 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through lower air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need 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 a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate 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 due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Anderson Heating & A/C are here to assist you. Call us at 775-854-9700 to book your free home comfort analysis today.