What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently includes a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your home?

At Bell Air Conditioning Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 254-307-9572. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect 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 required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 254-307-9572 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling bills, since the thermostat can intuitively manage 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 close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat 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 highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest 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 specialists at Bell Air Conditioning Inc are available to assist you. Call us at 254-307-9572 to book your free home comfort analysis now.