What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.

However, there are many differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently involves a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At Lakeside Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 509-284-4265. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 509-284-4265 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings are contingent upon 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 ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper power costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more energy.

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 depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air across your home. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise 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 professionals at Lakeside Heating & Air are available to assist you. Call us at 509-284-4265 to book your free home comfort analysis now.