What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.

However, there are many differing solutions available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number often is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

At West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at (616) 319-1436. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern 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 locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at (616) 319-1436 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively 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 close to 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through reduced air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services are available to help. Give us a call at (616) 319-1436 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.