What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking usually includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 877-389-2465. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electrical costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 877-389-2465 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility costs, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling costs. 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 converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electrical costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc are here to support you. Give us a call at 877-389-2465 to book your free home comfort analysis today.