What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.

However, there are many varying solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Halverson Brothers Inc, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 715-352-4052. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review 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 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’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 715-352-4052 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical costs, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re away.

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 air conditioning expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper power costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, consume 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your power costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want 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 distribute cold air around your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Halverson Brothers Inc are available to assist you. Reach us at 715-352-4052 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.