Shouldnt I install the highest SEER air conditioner 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 will remove humidity better than 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 dont have a cool, but sticky home). Equipment with SEER ratings of 18 and higher are available, but are not commonly installed.
