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

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.

However, there are many varying solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically includes a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is right for your home?

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

Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 602-789-3315 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference repaid over the years through cheaper power costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at different speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more electricity.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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