What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy expenses.

However, there are lots of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually involves a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?

At Pratt Brothers, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 920-347-8495. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. 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 impact your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated 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 rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 920-347-8495 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning bills, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through lower power expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your power costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.

When getting 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 depends on this system’s blower to distribute cool air across your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Pratt Brothers are ready to help. Call us at 920-347-8495 to set your free home comfort analysis now.