What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for AC Systems?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Wisconsin Rapids, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling bills.

However, there are a lot of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 715-301-0256. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 715-301-0256 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with huge progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through cheaper cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less power 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 run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute cool air around your residence. Furnaces only run 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc are ready to assist you. Call us at 715-301-0256 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.