What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

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

At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 715-301-0256. Our experienced 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.

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

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 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 number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 715-301-0256 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past few years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your energy expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

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 unit’s blower to send chilled air across your home. Furnaces only work 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc are available to assist you. Give us a call at 715-301-0256 to book your free home comfort analysis now.