Enhanced comfort: Higher SEER-rated cooling systems are more sophisticated, with functions such as two-stage compressors and multi-speed fan motors. Not merely does this avoid wasting energy and money, but it increases home comfort which leads to a quieter, more effective operation.
In most cases, high SEER air conditioners run more quietly than lower SEER-rated ACs, especially if they have variable-speed compressors and less noisy fan motors.
According to the Kobie SEER Energy Savings Calculator, a 16 SEER unit uses about 13% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as a 14 SEER unit of the same size. That means that for every $100 you'd pay to run your 14 SEER unit, you could save $13 by upgrading to a 16 SEER unit.
An 18 SEER HVAC unit can offer annual savings on your power bill of up to 28%. That is significant when you want a mid-efficiency, quality cooling system with substantial cost savings. With a 20 SEER unit, you are choosing a high-efficiency air conditioner that offers you up to 35% savings on your power bill per year.
When shopping for a central AC unit, pay attention to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. Higher SEER ratings mean better energy efficiency and lower energy bills. For a 2500 sq ft home, look for units with a SEER rating of at least 14.
Repair: Older AC units typically have lower energy efficiency ratings (SEER), which means higher electricity costs. For instance, a 20-year-old unit may have a 10- or lower SEER.
The square footage covered by a 3 ton AC unit depends on multiple variable but accounting for a quick estimate, roughly 1500-1800 square feet.
Most industry experts compare a SEER rating to a car's fuel efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the cooling system should be.
Minimum SEER Ratings for 2024
Packaged AC: 15.2 SEER2 and 11.5 EER2. Ducted split heat pump: 15.2 SEER2, 7.8 HSPF2, and 11.7 EER2. Packaged heat pump: 15.2 SEER2, 7.2 HSPF2, and 10.6 EER2. Mini-split system: 16 SEER2, 9 HSPF2, and 12 EER2.
This move technically went into effect on January 1st, 2023, so it's already been a year. Under the DOE rules, US HVAC manufactures will discontinue production of SEER 14 units, and they can no longer sell any units with that rating, either.
Q3: Can I get a tax credit for installing a new AC system in 2024? Absolutely! Homeowners installing new central air conditioning systems that meet Energy Star requirements, specifically split systems with a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher, are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the project cost, capped at $600.
That means air conditioners and heat pumps with higher SEER ratings use less energy to accomplish the same level of cooling. This translates to lower electricity usage and lower electric bills for systems with higher SEER ratings.
Ductless air conditioners are the quietest operating of all the types of air conditioners. Since the compressor is outside and ducts do not run through the entire home, the noise level during operation is greatly reduced.
For those conscious of their energy costs, choosing an air conditioner with a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio rating can be beneficial. A SEER rating of 18 or above is considered to be very good and optimal for maximum efficiency and money savings.
An 18 SEER is around 12.5% more efficient than a 16 SEER. That means for every $100 you spend to cool your home with a 18 SEER, you'll save about $12.50 more than the 16 SEER. A good rule of thumb, the higher the SEER the more you'll save on your electric bill.
Rheem is a formidable name in the industry, known for its reliable, durable air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless split systems, gas furnaces, and water heaters with solid efficiency ratings. On average, a Rheem air conditioning unit costs between $5,100 and $7,600 for the installed unit.
Benefits of a Higher SEER Rating
Replacing an 8 SEER AC or heat pump unit with a 16 SEER one may save you up to 50 percent on your energy bill. Additionally, there are government incentives and rebates for high-efficiency AC systems that can help lower the cost of the upgrade.
What products are eligible? Effective January 1, 2025, split system central air conditioners must meet SEER2 ≥ 17.0 and EER2 ≥12.0 to be eligible. Packaged central air conditioners must meet SEER2 ≥16.0 and EER2 ≥11.5 to be eligible.
Homes measuring 1,000-1,500 square feet: You'll need a 2-ton unit, which corresponds to a cooling capacity of 24,000 BTUs per hour. Homes measuring 1,500-2,000 square feet: You'll require a 3-ton unit, equivalent to 36,000 BTUs per hour. Homes measuring 2,000-2,500 square feet: A 4-ton unit is necessary.
3.5 Tons (42,000 BTUs): Suitable for homes ranging from 2,100 to 2,400 square feet. Installation cost ranges from $3,800 to $5,500. 4 Tons (48,000 BTUs): Suitable for homes ranging from 2,400 to 2,700 square feet. Installation cost ranges from $4,000 to $6,000.
However, the truth is an oversized system will not do a better job of cooling the house or provide any extra comfort over a properly sized unit. Air conditioner size is calculated in BTU (British Thermal Units) and tons, and measures how much heat the system can remove from the home in one hour.