14 SEER vs 16 SEER - The differences are explained by AC - Airlucent technology (2023)

Looking for an air conditioner for your home? When choosing a good air conditioner, it is important to choose one with high energy efficiency. The energy efficiency of air conditioners is expressed in units classified according to SEER. In this post, I compare the differences between 14 SEER units and 16 SEER units based on initial cost and current energy cost.

But what is a LOT? Seer is simply the ratio between the cooling capacity of an air conditioner and the energy it consumes. It represents the seasonal energy efficiency ratio.

The main difference between a 14 SEER and a 16 SEER is that the latter is a 2-stage compressor air conditioner. Unlike a single-stage 14 Seer, a Seer 16 has two different compressor speeds that allow it to cool your home or office more efficiently and evenly.

These two types of air conditioners have a number of differences, as summarized in the table below, that can help you make an informed decision about choosing the best one for your needs.

14 SEER vs 16 SEER – Comparison Chart

1. Different types of compressors

This is one of the most distinguishing features between a 14 SEER and a 16 SEER. A 14-base air conditioner is equipped with a single-stage compressor, while a 16-base compressor often has a 2-stage compressor.

In a single stage compressor air conditioner, air is compressed by a single piston in the first cylinder, say about 120 Psi. It is then transferred to the warehouse.

However, with a 2-stage AC compressor, an extra step is required. After the air is compressed in the first cylinder, it is transferred to another smaller cylinder where the compressor continues (leaves at 175 psi) before being transferred to the storage chamber.

The two-stage compressor allows a 16-SEER to run at two different speeds, while a 14-SEER with a single-stage compressor runs at a single speed.

2. Advance costs

While a 16-seer can save energy costs in the long run, it is generally more expensive than a 14-seer. 14 SEER air conditioners typically cost $500 to $1000, less than 16 SEER.

What is your favorite SEER 14 device and why?

It dependsfor what your home needs, but I like the brandGood man. They are readily available from local suppliers, have a long warranty, are American made, are fairly quiet, and are reliable. Plus, they've been around for a long time, which gives me confidence in their products. However, the main point is that they are very economically priced. If you're looking for a machine that will get the job done, but won't break the bank, Goodman is a solid brand.– Jake Romano is outJohn the Plumber

3. efficiency

Although 14 SEER and 16 SEER are almost the same, second stage compressor air conditioners are more efficient at partial low-level cooling. The single stage always runs at full power no matter how hot or cold it is. This makes them less effective.

That said, two-stage systems spend 80% of their time running on the lowest setting, using about 60-70 percent less energy, saving overall costs.

With that in mind, if you choose a 16-seat model, you can expect to save about 13 percent in energy costs each season, compared to the amount you can spend annually using 14 SEER on electricity.

There are several factors to consider before calculating how much you can save annually.

However, all other things being equal, it is best to do some math to calculate the annual operating costs between the two SEERS.

How to calculate annual electricity cost savings between 14 and 16 projected AC

1.Let's start by calculating the average annual energy cost of 14-SEER and 16-SEER. In this example, we assume that

· Both units are the same size (3 tons)

All other factors being equal (eg same number of hours, 1000 hours allowed per cooling period)

To calculate the annual energy cost, we use this formula

[(AC size x 12,000) / SEER] x 1500 = number of watt-hours used per year

So,

14-SEER:[(3x 12,000) / 14] x 1500=3,857,000 Watt/hr (to the nearest thousand)

16-SEER:[(3 x 12,000) / 16] x 1500=3,375,000 Watt/hr (to the nearest thousand)

2.In the second step,Let's find the difference in watt-hours between 14 SEER and 16 SEER:

3.857.000 Watt/hr-3.375.000=482,000 Watt/hour

3. Convert the answer from step 2 to kilowatt hours by dividing by 1000.

So we'll take it482000 Watt/hr /1000=482 KW/hr.

4. Finally, we need to find the cost by multiplying the answer by the electricity factor. For example, let's take this: if we are in Phoenix, the average cost of electricity is $0.12.

$0,12X482=$57,84

So a 16-SEER saves about 57.84 per year

As a reminder, this is just an estimate. Each variable will depend on what you have and how many hours you use your AC per year.

4. Maintenance and repair

While 16 SEER (2-stage system) typically has a longer life than 14-SEER, it can be more expensive to repair compared to 14-SEER. The good thing is that they don't need to be replaced very often like the 14-SEER single stage system.

5. Sound levels between 14 SEER (single stage) and 16 SEER (2 stage)

While both systems operate at 100% (the most powerful mode), the 16-SEER is quieter when operating in partial-capacity cooling mode, a feature not found in the 14-SEER models.

This makes the 16-SEER the best choice if you want something quieter. The cheaper the AC, the more powerful it is. This also explains why a 16 SEER incurs additional costs.

6. COMFORTNIVEAU

If you are looking for comfortable cooling and dehumidification, the 16 Seer AC is the right choice! A16 SEER offers better comfort than a 14 SEER, and here's how:

· A second phaseThe compressor at 16 SEER allows it to run in reduced/partial capacity mode. This means it can run at the lowest setting for a long time, providing better and "even" cooling compared to a 14 SEER running at one high speed.

The 14 SEER system (single speed system) can cause bumps or hot spots in the cooling environment and this can be very uncomfortable.

· Improved humidity control:Because a 16 SEER can run at low compressor speed for long periods of time, they tend to humidify air better, especially in high humidity areas.

This provides greater comfort, as high humidity levels can make your home feel even warmer than it actually is. Better dehumidification helps remove moisture from your home, ultimately preventing dampmold build-upand other types of pollution that can lead to health problems.

7. Impact on the environment

In general, a higher vision means more environmentally friendly. A 16 SEER is more environmentally friendly than anything below that rating. This means it doesn't emit as many greenhouse gases as 14 SEER, making it a better choice if you're particular about keeping our mother planet safe.

How to make your air conditioner more efficient

Despite the ratings posted on these devices, it's up to the owner to make sure their system gets the maximum rating. You can achieve this by running your air conditioner efficiently. Here are some tips to make your air conditioner more efficient

· Replace the air filters in time. Today, most air conditioners have automatic reminders to tell you when to clean or replace the air filter. If not, be sure to replace the air filter every 2-3 months.

· Keep dirt away from the outdoor unit. Dirt and leaves can find their way into the condensing unit and clog the fins, preventing the air conditioner from dissipating heat. To remove the dirt, you can use the leaf blower or the horse.

· Don't forget to hire a professional if your cooling system needs repair.Additionally, clean the evaporator coil at least once a year and keep your air conditioner's exhaust ducts clean to avoid blockages.

Is 16 SEER worth the extra money?

Whether or not the SEER 16 is worth the extra money depends on several factors, including:

1) How long do you plan to live in this home?

2) The cost difference between the two units. If a unit costs $800 more, you have to live in that house or move for 14 years to save the difference ($57.84X14=$809.76)

When do you choose 14 SEER vs. 16 SEER?

A 14-seer can be ideal in these scenarios:

• When cost is your priority
• When the temperatures in your area are fairly mild
• It is generally less humid in your area
• You do not use your air conditioner for many hours (ie if your system runs less than 500 hours per cooling period)

Other SEER Drivers:

• 13 SEE vs. 16 SEE
• 13 SEE vs. 14 SEE