There are a few important factors to consider if you’re looking to replace your air conditioner this summer. You will have this cooling system for a long time, and finding the right solution is important — especially when it comes to your comfort and energy bills.
Whether you’ve done some research online or talked to an HVAC professional, you might have heard about “SEER ratings.” The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of an AC or heat pump can range from 13 to 25. But what is a SEER rating exactly? Why is a good SEER rating important, and why should you care? These are all questions that need to be answered.
Below, we’ll discuss what a good SEER rating is and how it can impact your energy savings.
What Is a SEER Rating?
Before we can discuss why a good SEER rating is important, it’s vital to understand how these ratings work. In short, SEER rating measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump. This rating is calculated by dividing the unit’s cooling output by its energy usage.
So, what is a good SEER rating for AC systems? To better answer this question, let’s start with the bare minimum.
The United States Department of Energy has mandated that the minimum SEER rating of air conditioners is 14. You will find, however, that the minimum is actually 13 in some states. SEER ratings above 16 are considered good and will provide greater energy efficiency.
The minimum SEER rating for heat pumps (ductless mini-splits) is also 14. However, a higher SEER rating of 18 is considered good for these systems.
Understanding SEER and Efficiency
SEER ratings basically come down to this: the higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient your cooling system will be. Overall, a good SEER rating is important if you’re looking to increase your energy savings. When your system is highly efficient, it won’t have to work as hard when cooling your home. As a result, you’ll use less energy — and see lower energy bills.
It’s worth noting that this SEER rating represents the maximum efficiency of your AC or heat pump. Your cooling system won’t always operate at this exact efficiency, as different conditions can cause the efficiency to fluctuate.
Now that you know what a good SEER rating is, it’s time to find the right SEER rating for you and your needs.
Choosing a SEER Rating
Are you struggling to choose a new AC for your home? It’s understandable. Although you know what a good SEER rating is, you might be unsure which rating is suitable for you.
So, what SEER rating should you buy? First, consider the climate where you live. If you live in a region that experiences hot and humid summers, it can be advantageous to install an AC with high efficiency. As such, you might want to opt for a higher SEER unit.
Next, consider your budget. Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings tend to have higher upfront costs. Although these prices may seem expensive, the money you save on your energy bills can end up offsetting these costs. There are several reasons why a good SEER rating is important, and if you’re looking for maximum comfort, a higher SEER unit can be the way to go.
Choose Arlinghaus for Your AC Upgrade
Your home’s heating and cooling systems play a large role in your comfort. If it’s time to replace your AC, it’s crucial to know what a good SEER rating is and how it can impact your daily life.
Now that you understand why a good SEER rating is important, then go to Arlinghaus for your next HVAC system installation. We know how important it is to have reliable air conditioning in Butler County. The weather can get unbearable, and you need an AC that can handle it all. Our team will help you find a system with the perfect SEER rating for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our Boone AC services!