If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Tucson, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.
However, there are lots of differing options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating usually is accompanied by a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?
At Ambient Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 520-357-4912. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your family’s comfort. And your utility costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. 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 don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 520-357-4912 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage 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 an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings depend on 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 best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through lower power bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your utility bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more power.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send cold air around your house. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Ambient Air are here to help. Call us at 520-357-4912 to set your free home comfort analysis now.