What Is an Acceptable SEER Rating for AC Systems?

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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.

However, there are lots of varying options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?

At Three Rivers Heating and Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at (503) 739-5400. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

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

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at (503) 739-5400 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past couple of years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, as the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through reduced electrical expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your home while keeping your air conditioning bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Three Rivers Heating and Cooling are available to help. Call us at (503) 739-5400 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.