If you’re needing air conditioner installation in West Valley City, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.

However, there are many varying models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically includes a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?

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

Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 801-305-4777 for support.

If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly advanced in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling costs, since the thermostat can intuitively 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

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

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through smaller utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity 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 varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your family while keeping your electric bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cool air around your residence. Furnaces only run 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Select Comfort Systems are available to assist you. Give us a call at 801-305-4777 to set your free home comfort analysis now.