Shouldn’t I install the highest SEER air conditioner available?
In our climate, 10 SEER is considered standard efficiency (this is the minimum efficiency the federal government allows to be sold) and 12 SEER is high efficiency. The initial investment is higher for a 12 SEER than a 10 SEER, but the electricity savings will usually pay for the difference in 5-7 years. The higher SEER equipment doesn’t remove humidity as well as older, lower SEER equipment, so it is important that the new air conditioner be sized properly so it runs long enough to remove humidity (so you don’t have a cool, but sticky home). Equipment with SEER ratings of 14 and higher are available, but are not commonly installed in this part of the country.
In January 2006, the federal government set a minimum 13 SEER standard. Seer ratings of 16 or higher qualify for tax credits. The initial investment with tax credits may be a better choice than lower efficiency units., Additional electrical savings will last for the life of the equipment. It is important to have your new air conditioner properly sized so it runs long enough to remove humidity. Seers up to 19 are now available.
In our climate, 13 SEER is considered “standard” efficiency (this is the minimum efficiency the federal government allows to be sold) and 16 SEER is “high” efficiency”. The initial investment is higher for a 16 SEER than a 13 SEER, but the electricity savings will usually pay for the difference in 5-7 years. The higher SEER equipment doesn’t remove humidity as well as older, lower SEER equipment, so it is important that the new air conditioner be sized properly so it runs long enough to remove humidity (so you don’t have a cool, but “sticky” home).
In our climate, 13 SEER is considered “standard” efficiency (this is the minimum efficiency the federal government allows to be sold) and 15 SEER is “high” efficiency. The initial investment is higher for a 15 SEER than a 13 SEER, but the electricity savings will usually pay for the difference in 5-7 years. The higher SEER equipment doesn’t remove humidity as well as older, lower SEER equipment, so it is important that the new air conditioner be sized properly so it runs long enough to remove humidity (so you don’t have a cool, but “sticky” home).
