In today’s blog, the experienced cooling technicians at Rainforest Plumbing & Air will go over everything you need to know about SEER ratings, how they work and the benefits of choosing energy efficient equipment; as well as, introducing you to Service Titan’s new SEER calculator tool, a handy way to illustrate and communicate potential cost savings during your installation evaluation!
When it comes to keeping your Phoenix Valley home cool and comfortable, understanding the efficiency of your air conditioner is key. That’s where SEER ratings come in.
But what exactly is a SEER rating, and why should you care?
In today’s blog, the experienced cooling technicians at Rainforest Plumbing & Air will break down the basics of SEER ratings, how they work, the cost difference and benefits of choosing energy efficient home comfort equipment and show you how ground-breaking calculator tools, like the one from our friend’s at Service Titan, are helping homeowners make more informed decisions when it comes to their environmental footprint.
Let’s go back to school with this handy calculator tool. Class is in session!
What Is SEER?
Every air conditioner on the market comes with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which represents the equipment’s energy efficiency. Typically, the higher the SEER rating, the less energy it uses to cool your home. Making high SEER ratings the clear choice for those who want to improve energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
SEER ratings are a new industry standard and have to be easily accessible on all cooling systems. Almost as recognizable as the EnergyStar symbol, SEER ratings can help customers know which units can better offset upfront installation costs with reduced operating, long-term costs.
But there’s more to it than just picking an air conditioner just because it has the highest SEER rating, and that’s where Service Titan’s new calculator comes in handy for both installation technicians and homeowners.
What Affects SEER?
An AC’s SEER rating is based on ideal operating conditions. Which means if you purchase an AC with a high SEER rating, but incorrectly sized for your space, you won’t see the same savings.
An air conditioner that’s too large may struggle to regulate temperature and short-cycle, wasting energy and wearing out components. An air conditioner that is too small will struggle to effectively cool your space and work harder and longer to achieve the same result, resulting in premature repairs and breakdowns.
So how do you ensure that your AC is sized correctly? Well, at Rainforest Plumbing & Air everyone of our installations begins with a comprehensive evaluation, where we cover the following:
Square Footage
The first thing we’ll look at is the total square footage of your home. Large homes require more cooling power, which often means a bigger AC. We’ll also take notes on the number and location of windows and doors, as this could also affect sizing.
Climate Zone
The Phoenix Valley is within one of the hottest climate zones in the continental US, and our extreme temperatures and high sun exposure directly impact our cooling requirements. We often require bigger units no matter the size of our space, and our AC’s are also running constantly to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.
It’s also important to note that in 2015, the Department of Energy established separate SEER ratings for different regions in the US. And Arizona has some of the most stringent requirements due to our climate zone. Meaning the equipment we sell has to have a minimum SEER of 15.
Ductwork & Insulation
The quality of your home’s insulation is a huge factor in how well your home retains the cool air being emitted from your air conditioner. Better insulation reduces the stress on your unit, helping improve efficiency.
Your ducts are the highway in which cooled air is circulated throughout your home. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can result in significant energy loss requiring a bigger air conditioner to maintain optimal cooling levels. Ensuring your ducts are well sealed and insulated along with the rest of your home can enhance the performance of your new system.
Number Of Occupants
The number of people residing in your home also affects the size of air conditioner you’ll need, and the efficiency of the unit. Each person or animal adds heat to the home, so this is something to keep in mind.
Age Of The Unit
SEER ratings are also typically representative of the age and condition of the unit. So a newer, well maintained unit will retain its efficiency longer than one that’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
How Service Titan’s SEER Calculator Works
To calculate SEER ratings the calculator tool uses four key factors to determine just how much a customer can save on monthly energy costs by upgrading their AC unit:
- SEER rating of current equipment installed.
- Size of the current equipment installed.
- Cost of electricity in their home state.
- Estimated cooling/usage hours (here in the desert, this is a big one!)
The SEER rating calculation formula represents the ratio of the cooling output of your AC over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it consumes in KwH.
During your installation evaluation, your personal technician will use this calculator to show you how much energy your current unit is using, versus a newer one.
Service Titan’s calculator takes the guesswork out of energy savings, helping our technicians clearly communicate potential benefits to you in real time.
To Maintain Efficiency On Your New AC, Don’t Forget Regular Maintenance
You’ve completed your installation evaluation, and found the perfect AC to fit your cooling and efficiency needs. Now what? You can’t just set it and forget it, and hope it continues to run until the end of time.
Ensure equipment reliability and longevity with regular tune-ups from the experienced technicians at Rainforest Plumbing & Air!
The typical lifespan of an air conditioner is 10-15 years, but with our comprehensive tune-ups we can potentially increase that to 20 or more! Our comprehensive tune-up service includes:
- Air balancing
- Troubleshooting
- Coil cleaning
- Air flow inspection
- Energy efficiency optimization
- Indoor air quality enhancement
Tune-ups are great for preventing costly repairs and keeping your unit under warranty, so call us today to schedule yours!
While important, we understand that life happens and regular maintenance isn’t always top of mind. So improve your peace of mind with The Cabana Club, our exclusive membership program offering priority service, prescheduled annual inspections and maintenance, along with discounts on service and equipment!
SEER ratings aren’t just numbers on a label, they’re a crucial factor in determining efficiency, how much you can save on energy costs and how environmentally friendly your home can be. By choosing an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating you’re not only investing in your comfort, but helping the environment at the same time! And with tools like the SEER Calculator from Service Titan, you can easily compare options and be better equipped to keep your home cool, comfortable and energy efficient.
Rainforest Plumbing & Air is the Phoenix Area’s #1 choice for air conditioner installation. Our team installs a wide variety of AC units suitable for any home or business, and offer industry-leading financing options so you can get the equipment you need at a price you can afford. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does air conditioner installation cost?
New air conditioner installation starts as low as $99/month, but varies depending on the type and size of unit you choose, and the time it takes to install. Call us today for your no obligation quote! The price you’re quoted is the price you pay, so there are no surprises. We’re also proud to offer 0% financing on any new AC models.
When should I replace my air conditioner?
If your current air conditioner is making weird noises, has a strange odor, showing signs of damage or leaks, or your utility bills keep rising, it’s time to consider upgrading. Give us a call today to go over your options!
What are the benefits of a new air conditioner?
A new AC increases the value of your property, helps save you money on your monthly cooling bill, improves indoor air quality and improves home cooling and comfort.
