What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Shamokin and Sunbury, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are a lot of varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically involves a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is best for your residence?

At LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc., we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 570-648-0748. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at least 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 570-648-0748 for help.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling bills, because the thermostat can automatically manage 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are contingent upon 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 transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your energy expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. are here to help. Give us a call at 570-648-0748 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.