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

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many different options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently is accompanied by a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is best for your house?

At Select Comfort Systems, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 801-305-4777. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at least 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 801-305-4777 for help.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling costs, as the thermostat can seamlessly change your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. 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 best efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less power than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your energy bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more power.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute cold air across your home. 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 get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Select Comfort Systems are ready to assist you. Call us at 801-305-4777 to book your free home comfort analysis now.