What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Rapid City, you should also be looking at 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 cooled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.

However, there are many varying options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating often involves a more expensive cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Precision Mechanical, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 605-206-3766. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 605-206-3766 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric expenses, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp 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 most efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through cheaper power expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cold air around your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Precision Mechanical are ready to assist you. Reach us at 605-206-3766 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.