What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical expenses.

However, there are lots of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?

At Airmax Long Island, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 631-737-5566. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 631-737-5566 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility costs, because the thermostat can automatically change 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 air conditioning bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through lower electrical 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your energy expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to send chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Airmax Long Island are here to help. Give us a call at 631-737-5566 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.