What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are lots of differing solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically includes a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?

At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 804-302-6657. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 804-302-6657 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, because the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical 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 greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through smaller air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less power than other new units, 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 operate at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are here to help. Give us a call at 804-302-6657 to request your free home comfort analysis today.