What Is the Right SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.

However, there are a lot of different options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?

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

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your energy bills.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 number is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 478-200-5689 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling bills, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference back over time through cheaper power expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cold air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia are available to support you. Give us a call at 478-200-5689 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.