What Is a Good SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of varying models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently involves a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 863-216-2923. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 863-216-2923 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling costs, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over time through lower electric costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your energy costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

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 depends on this equipment’s blower to send cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. are here to help. Reach us at 863-216-2923 to request your free home comfort analysis now.