What Is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric costs.

However, there are many differing options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number frequently involves a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?

At Strine's, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 717-383-4479. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. 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 expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 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 check the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 717-383-4479 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper electric costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your residence while keeping your utility costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more power.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air across your house. 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 enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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