What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric costs.

However, there are many differing models available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently includes a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?

At J.L. Brady Company LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 309-517-7511. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric costs.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. 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 don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 309-517-7511 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past few years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

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

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your utility costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, 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 uses this system’s blower to disperse cool air across your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest 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 pros at J.L. Brady Company LLC are available to help. Call us at 309-517-7511 to request your free home comfort analysis today.