What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Siloam Springs, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number typically involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?

At Siloam Springs Heating & AC, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 479-308-8176. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must 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 put in or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 479-308-8176 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest 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 family while keeping your electrical expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cool air across your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Siloam Springs Heating & AC are available to help. Give us a call at 479-308-8176 to book your free home comfort analysis now.