If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Cache Valley, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your energy costs.

However, there are a lot of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently includes a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?

At Western Mechanical, Inc., we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 435-753-5515. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can influence your home’s comfort. And your energy costs.

Does SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 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 number is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 435-753-5515 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling expenses, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less energy 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 cool at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your utility costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more energy.

When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse cool air across your residence. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting 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 Western Mechanical, Inc. are ready to support you. Call us at 435-753-5515 to request your free home comfort analysis today.