What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling bills.

However, there are lots of varying options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Patterson & Stirling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 814-308-0416. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. 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 installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 814-308-0416 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past few years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less power than other new units, 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 run at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your utility bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Patterson & Stirling are ready to support you. Call us at 814-308-0416 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.