What Is a Good SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?

At Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 815-933-8213. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 number is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 815-933-8213 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 cool at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your energy costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating are ready to assist you. Call us at 815-933-8213 to book your free home comfort analysis now.