If you’re needing 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 summary, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy costs.

However, there are many differing models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking usually is accompanied by a higher price. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?

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

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.

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 northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 602-971-0567 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric costs, since the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll generally get the difference repaid over the years through smaller utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, consume 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 cool at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your utility expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to disperse cool air across your house. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Integrity AC & Heating LLC are here to support you. Call us at 602-971-0567 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.