What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating typically includes a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your home?

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 knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 478-200-5689 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical bills, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

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 cooling costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 run at different speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure 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 cold air around your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia are ready to support you. Reach us at 478-200-5689 to book your free home comfort analysis today.