What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Ames, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.

However, there are many different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually involves a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?

At Haselhoff Air Solutions, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 515-450-8739. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 515-450-8739 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send cold air throughout your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Haselhoff Air Solutions are available to support you. Call us at 515-450-8739 to request your free home comfort analysis now.