What Is a Good SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy costs.

However, there are lots of differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?

At Marios Air Conditioning, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 760-314-4766. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your utility bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 760-314-4766 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current 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 costs. Your savings relate to 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll normally get the difference back over the years through smaller utility costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new units, 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 run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your utility costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse cool air across your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Marios Air Conditioning are ready to support you. Reach us at 760-314-4766 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.