What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are many differing options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically involves a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?

At GLR Mechanical, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 570-309-0403. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 570-309-0403 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past couple of years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

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 electricity costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through smaller cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When installing 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 uses this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at GLR Mechanical are available to help. Give us a call at 570-309-0403 to request your free home comfort analysis now.