If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Phoenix, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling bills.

However, there are many differing options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number frequently involves a more expensive price. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

At Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 602-789-3315. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 602-789-3315 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through lower utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air across your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc are ready to help. Give us a call at 602-789-3315 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.