What Is an Adequate SEER Rating for AC Systems?

If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Morgantown, you should also be considering 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 turning electricity into cold air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of varying solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often is accompanied by a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?

At Mountain Air, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 304-413-1287. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.

What Does the SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northern 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 ranking is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 304-413-1287 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on AC costs, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

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 cooling expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies 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 over the years through cheaper utility costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new models, 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 a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to distribute cool air across your residence. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Mountain Air are ready to support you. Call us at 304-413-1287 to book your free home comfort analysis today.