What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy bills.

However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually involves a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?

At Desert Husky HVAC/R Services, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 520-416-5415. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 520-416-5415 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling bills, since the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over time through cheaper air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Desert Husky HVAC/R Services are here to assist you. Reach us at 520-416-5415 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.