What Is a Good SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are many different models available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually involves a higher price. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Wallpe Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 812-663-7252. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created 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 don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 812-663-7252 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical costs, as 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, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp 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 highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through reduced electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your cooling bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cold air across 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 receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Wallpe Heating & Cooling are available to support you. Call us at 812-663-7252 to set your free home comfort analysis now.