What Is a Good SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.

However, there are a lot of varying models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?

At Mechanical Air Systems Co, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 641-243-4654. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

What Does the 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 don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 641-243-4654 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temp 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 most efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over the years through reduced electrical costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When getting 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 relies on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Mechanical Air Systems Co are here to assist you. Give us a call at 641-243-4654 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.