What Is a Good SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many varying options out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER number often is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?

At Strine's, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 717-383-4479. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with 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 electric bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated 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 put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 717-383-4479 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re out.

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

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement 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 the years through smaller cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your air conditioning expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cool air around your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Strine's are available to help. Give us a call at 717-383-4479 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.