What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

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

However, there are a lot of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently involves a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 303-452-4146. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the 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 unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 303-452-4146 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, 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 electric bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 utility costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through lower electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 operate at different speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help. Call us at 303-452-4146 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.