What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.

However, there are a lot of differing models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently involves a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

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

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the north 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 number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 561-287-7071 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past several years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric costs, because the thermostat can automatically change 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 around 30–50% on annual electricity costs. 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 greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through lower electric bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse cold air around your home. Furnaces only run 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Kilbourne Heating & AC are here to support you. Give us a call at 561-287-7071 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.