What Is the Right SEER Rating for AC Systems?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Neptune City, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric costs.

However, there are lots of varying solutions out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?

At Aggressive Mechanical, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 732-806-5536. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 732-806-5536 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling expenses, as the thermostat can automatically adjust 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 electricity costs. 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement shows the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through cheaper cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to distribute chilled air across your home. Furnaces only run 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 benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Aggressive Mechanical are ready to help. Reach us at 732-806-5536 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.