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. Simply put, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.

However, there are a lot of varying models out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually involves a higher price tag. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?

At Select Comfort Systems, we provide 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 choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating 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’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 801-305-4777 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly 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 around 30–50% on annual electrical costs. 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back over time through lower utility expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your air conditioning expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more energy.

When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

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