What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Omaha, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric expenses.

However, there are a lot of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number often is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At The Frazier Company, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 402-628-0206. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 402-628-0206 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through reduced utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your utility costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse cool air around 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 receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at The Frazier Company are ready to help. Reach us at 402-628-0206 to set your free home comfort analysis today.