What SEER Rating Should My New AC Have?

When you start looking for a new AC unit, the seemingly endless range of makes and models can be overwhelming. Not to mention, the long list of specifications on each unit is enough to make even the savviest homeowner feel out of their league. While a quality AC installation company will guide you through the process, recommend units and help you decide which unit best fits your needs, there is one specification every potential AC buyer should understand: SEER ratings.

SEER Definition

SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio, ratings are measures of energy efficiency. An AC unit’s SEER rating is a simple ratio of output to input. It compares the unit’s cooling capacity to the amount of energy it uses over a typical cooling season to determine how efficient it can be when working at its best. 

What is a good SEER rating?

AC SEER ratings are shown in numbers, with higher numbers indicating higher efficiency. The Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum efficiency standards for AC units throughout the country based on these ratings. The minimum SEER rating in moderate climates is 13, but in Georgia and other states with warmer climates, the minimum is 14 SEER. SEER ratings today range from 13 to 25, but most homeowners choose a unit rated at 14-16 SEER.

Why SEER Matters For You

You may be asking yourself why this simple rating is so important to think about while buying an air conditioner. SEER ratings measure energy efficiency, which means they give you a really good idea of how much money you’ll be spending, now and later. Because better technology and materials are required to achieve higher efficiency, you can expect to pay much more money for a 20 SEER unit than one rated at 14 SEER. 

However, having a higher-efficiency AC means you’ll save more on monthly energy bills than with a lower-efficiency unit. When you compare the SEER ratings of different AC units, you’ll be able to compare energy savings and upfront costs to roughly weigh how much you’ll get out of your investment.

What SEER rating should I get?

In the end, you’ll see significant savings and higher efficiency regardless of what SEER rating you choose. This is because you’re replacing an old 8-10 SEER unit with one that is significantly more efficient, even if it’s a 14 SEER. However, you will see more savings over time the higher the SEER rating on your AC unit is. 

A 16 SEER unit is simply more energy-efficient than a 14 SEER unit. It all depends on how much you’re able and willing to invest in your new AC system. For some, there’s no price limit when it comes to energy efficiency. Others simply need to cool their home for an affordable price — the choice is ultimately yours.

If you’re looking for a new AC installation, the experts at Absolute Comfort Air are here to help you find the perfect air conditioner to meet your needs and budget. Contact us today for more information or to begin the installation process.

Absolute Comfort. Absolute Care.

noun_customer_2423336
Customer Focused
We are dedicated to providing absolute comfort to our home and small business owners giving value beyond their expectations.
noun_Repair_3434916
Comfort Club
Our maintenance plans ensures that your heating and air systems are taken care of, providing you peace of mind year round.
noun_give heart_3349255
Compassionate Service
Our customers needs come first and we do the best to provide a solution that fits your need and budget.
noun_checkmark_1523093
Honest & Upfront
We never begin a job without a diagnosis and providing our customers with a variety of options.

What Our Customers Have To Say

Had Us Up and Running in a Couple of Hours

Tanner was our service tech. Our heat quit on a Friday night and I called Absolute Comfort Air on Saturday morning. Tanner came to our home about an hour and a half after my phone call and diagnose the problem, explained the circumstances, and gave me a detailed quote. He then proceeded to make the repair.  He worked steadily and had us up and running in a couple of hours. Tanner was very polite, explained things in detail, and answered my questions very patiently. Thank you for a job well done.

Bob B.

Simply The Best!

I’ve been without heat since Saturday when my heat pump went out. I called Absolute Comfort and Alex came out and confirmed that after 19 years it had died. Kevin came out yesterday morning and he and Mark came this morning to check on things. Wayne and D.J. installed my new system. My house is warmer than it’s been in years and I wanted to thank you all for the fast, courteous and efficient manner you took care of my problem. Y’all are simply the best!!

Jennell H.

Polite, Thorough and Professional

Alex not only got my HVAC back up and running he also checked the outside unit. Alex is polite, thorough and professional. I sure hope if I am in need of HVAC work to be done Alex Vang is the tech that is assigned to me again.

Diane C.

Took the Time to Explain

Wanted to tell you that your Rep Tanner who serviced my home on 1/5/22, and I give him a 5 Star review. He was very courteous, professional, and took the time to explain all of what he did. If I can’t have Devin, I’ll take Tanner anytime.

Richard K.

Explained Everything to Me

I had a service technician by the name of Tanner visit my house today and go through a check list of all the components of my HVAC and found everything to be good and working at it’s best. He was very professional, courteous, and explained everything to me when he completed his work so I could understand it all. I would recommend Tanner to preform any and all maintenance required to anyone’s system.

Jerry A.

Pleasant & Precise

Devin was very precise doing his job very pleasant personality he explained everything. Thanks

Raymond C.

Highly Recommend

Tanner is courteous, helpful, informative, knowledgeable, and polite. He has completed 3 seasonal HVAC inspections and 1 motor replacement. He thoroughly explains what he did, what he’s looking for, and reasoning for his justifications. He is always on time and even remembers unique cases related to my system. I highly recommend Tanner and absolute comfort air!

Brandon H.

Great Customer Service

Called on a Saturday morning. Very friendly on-call tech (Stephen) already had 3 service calls booked but offered to call me back if he could work me in. He called, he came, he resurrected my air!! Very meticulous about diagnosis, very professional about the repair, and very pleasant towards the customer (me)!
Thank you Absolute Comfort Air!!

Norman W.