What is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

August 20, 2020

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in the Rio Grande Valley, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bill.

However, there are lots of differing models available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number often includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 956-630-3522. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can influence your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 956-630-3522 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric costs, as the thermostat can automatically manage your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through lower electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less electricity 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 work at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your electric expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without consuming 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 since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send cold air across your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 specialists at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. are available to assist you. Give us a call at 956-630-3522 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.