Can you get too high a SEER rating?

Question

Is there a guideline on what SEER rating to get....the higher the more efficient I understand.....but can it be too high?......looking at a Rheem 16 SEER ..thanks

For information.....I live in South Texas...very humid and hot!....but not as hot is my wife is when I come home......maybe the 16 SEER will save my marriage!!!!

Answer 1

A higher SEER rating can cost you more than you will save in electricity in a reasonable time. Also some higher SEER units have multiple compressors and other complications that can lead to more equipment failures and down time.

Any good AC contractor should be able to tell you the relative energy savings for the different SEER ratings and then you can use you current energy costs to estimate the savings. Many times if you expect to move in 4 to 8 years, you will never get you money back from a real high SEER unit.

Answer 2

It can never be too high. Generally speaking, the higher the SEER the more it will cost you up front during purchase and installation. So if you can afford it, get it.

If you can't afford it then go with the highest SEER you can afford if #1 you use your AC alot, #2 live in an warm location (not New York) #3 plan on living there over 10 years.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

A SEER rating is a combined unit value for the energy efficiency of the unit.The higher the value,the more energy efficient the unit is(ie:it will cost less to operate)The rating does not reflect the performance of the unit.If your existing unit is working properly and not cooling the house,it is undersized.I live in northeast Texas and can cool the house to 68 degrees when the outside temp is 105 degrees.the unit runs for about 10 minutes then cycles off.off time is about 30 minutes.Important thing to remember is that before spending several thousand dollars on an a/c system,be sure to insulate (i have 2 feet of fiberglass in the attic),and seal your house,otherwise,the cool air will just be wasted.

Answer 4

Go look at this site for some good ideas.

http://www.amana-hac.com/consumer/changeTab.act?newTab=Home&requestedSite=Amana