If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Safford, 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 efficient your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.

However, there are many varying options available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your residence?

At B&D Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 928-432-6018. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 928-432-6018 for support.

If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller electric bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use 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 capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electric costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When installing 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 depends on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your residence. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at B&D Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Call us at 928-432-6018 to book your free home comfort analysis now.