What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.

However, there are many differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating typically is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?

At Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 478-200-5689. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 478-200-5689 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through lower cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your utility bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying 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 depends on this equipment’s blower to send cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia are here to support you. Give us a call at 478-200-5689 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.