What Should My Air Conditioners SEER Rating Be?

August 20, 2020

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Fort Lauderdale, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy costs.

However, there are lots of different options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating often is accompanied by a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your residence?

At Solar Air Inc. , we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 954-320-7398. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

How Does SEER Rating Influence My Air Conditioner?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 954-320-7398 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling bills, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is It Better to Get a High SEER Rating?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less energy 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 different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your cooling expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate 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 because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only last 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 set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Solar Air Inc. are here to assist you. Give us a call at 954-320-7398 to set your free home comfort analysis now.