What Is the Right SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

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

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of varying models available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently involves a bigger price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?

At Integrity AC & Heating LLC, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 602-971-0567. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical bills.

Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 locate the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 602-971-0567 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over time through lower power costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your electric expenses low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute cool air across your house. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Integrity AC & Heating LLC are here to help. Call us at 602-971-0567 to request your free home comfort analysis today.