What Is the Right SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER number often involves a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At Northwest Services, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 419-548-5017. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 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 replaced or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 419-548-5017 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC expenses, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over time through cheaper electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your utility expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air across your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Northwest Services are here to assist you. Give us a call at 419-548-5017 to request your free home comfort analysis today.