What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are lots of differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At MPC Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 308-832-4321. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 308-832-4321 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over time through smaller electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new units, 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 run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your power bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air across your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at MPC Heating & Cooling are ready to help. Call us at 308-832-4321 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.