What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for AC Systems?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Bend, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are many varying solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER number often is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?

At Tri County Climate Control LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 541-238-2797. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northern 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 rating is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 541-238-2797 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning 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, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through reduced electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your energy expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air around your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Tri County Climate Control LLC are available to help. Call us at 541-238-2797 to book your free home comfort analysis now.