What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many varying models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently involves a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?

At Kilbourne Heating & AC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 561-287-7071. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure 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 561-287-7071 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings relate to 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through smaller cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically 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 capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your utility bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute 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 receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Kilbourne Heating & AC are here to assist you. Reach us at 561-287-7071 to set your free home comfort analysis today.