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.
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.
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.
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.
A 20 SEER AC unit is 43 percent more energy efficient than a 14 SEER system, making it very eco-friendly. However, the cost difference for a 20 SEER unit vs a 14 SEER system is significant so make sure you do the math for your situation.
The standards have to keep evolving as the technology does or else we'd be stuck in the figurative stone age with our heating and cooling solutions. That's why the United States Department of Energy or DOE has decided to discontinue production of air conditioners with a SEER rating of 14.
In general you should consider upgrading to a higher SEER if you live in a very hot climate and/or if you have a large home. The best way to see how much a higher SEER unit can save you is by checking an online SEER calculator.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC unit is. AC units with SEER ratings of 16 or higher are considered high-efficiency systems. The best high-efficiency air conditioners have SEER ratings of 26 or higher. These AC units use less energy to cool your home, which can save you money on your energy bills.
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. So for every $100 you'd pay to cool your home with a 14 SEER air conditioner, you'd save $13 with a 16 SEER, making a 16 SEER unit more cost-effective to run.
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.
As the SEER rating increases, so does the efficiency of the system. SEER 13-14: These are standard efficiency units. Compared to older systems with lower SEER ratings, upgrading to a SEER 13-14 system can result in approximately 10-20% energy savings.
Air conditioner is over 15 years old
The typical lifespan of an air conditioner is around 15 years, at which time it must be changed. Some air conditioners may work well beyond their designed lifespan, but they become less efficient with time.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
A SEER-rated air conditioning system uses less energy than a traditional AC system and can reduce monthly utility bills. A SEER rating of at least 13 or higher will work best to cool a 1,000 sq ft home.
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.
The cost of a 4-ton AC unit typically ranges between $4,000 to $5,500. However, this price can vary depending on factors such as the brand, model, energy efficiency rating (SEER), and additional features like advanced filtration systems or smart thermostats.
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.
Ducted AC Split Systems (or Mixed Ducted and Non-Ducted)
Individuals who purchase and place into service qualifying equipment between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024 may qualify for a non-refundable tax credit of up to $600 per system, subject to an annual limit of $1200 per taxpayer.
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.
Understanding the Current HVAC Refrigerant Guidelines
Most HVAC brands have started to swap out their older AC and heat pump units over the year, preparing for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely stop the production of systems with R-410A.