What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are a lot of different models out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking frequently involves a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at (818) 727-9993. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be 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 replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at (818) 727-9993 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric costs, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual utility costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature 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 models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through lower power bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting 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 equipment’s blower to send cold air around your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating are available to help. Reach us at (818) 727-9993 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.