There are many ways to be more efficient with your air conditioner, and rating systems usually come in handy with this. Most homeowners are familiar with MERV and HEPA ratings, but what are SEER ratings? And what is a good SEER rating for your home’s cooling system? Today, Complete Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating is here to clear up the confusion about SEER.
SEER Rating Rundown
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio, and it reports the system’s maximum efficiency rating. The ratio comes from dividing the cooling output, during the standard cooling season, by the total electrical energy input of the system.
SEER ratings are pretty similar to your car’s miles per gallon ratio! It’s the highest possible efficiency of the system, but the actual efficiency will vary based on conditions. While you can get 30 miles per gallon on the highway, you may only get 24 miles per gallon driving through traffic-filled cities.
An efficient AC will rely on managed conditions like continued maintenance, proper filters and more.
The Advantages Of A High SEER Rating
SEER ratings are important, but what does a high SEER rating provide?
First and foremost, they’re indicators of higher energy efficiency. At a minimum, most modern air conditioners have to have a rating of 13 SEER. This is because the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has required minimum SEER ratios, and these minimums vary from region to region. To earn an ENERGY STAR label, AC systems need to be rated at 14.5 SEER or above.
High efficiency systems also have a lower likelihood of AC troubles and emergencies. Thanks to the variable speed compressors and blowers we often see in high SEER systems, they don’t work as hard to keep you comfortable. Especially if you live in a hot or humid climate, high SEER ratings are crucial.
What’s A Good SEER Rating?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for this one! Modern SEER ratios range from 13 to 25. All of these are great options, but 13 is the standard minimum.
Lower ratings, like 8 and 9 SEER, are often seen in older, lower efficiency systems, and they can be costly. Replacing your outdated model with a modern one can largely improve the cost of running your AC.
That being said, any rating over 13 is pretty darn good. A 14 SEER system can earn an ENERGY STAR label, which can show drastic improvements to your electric bill. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) even reports that replacing your 9 SEER unit with a 14 SEER system can cut your energy use by 35%!
The only drawback of high SEER systems is the upfront cost. Although, there are federal tax credits available for 16 SEER systems, and these credits can help offset the cost of your new system. Plus, you can always keep an eye out for manufacturer rebates, too.
Efficient AC Units For Every Home
Complete Comfort knows you need a reliable air conditioner for your home, so why not choose a reliable HVAC company, too? Whether you need to purchase a new unit, get an inspection or fix an emergency, Complete Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating is here for you!
We take pride in providing our clients with the best Jupiter AC services possible, including professional AC installation. That means you can trust our technicians to bring your home’s heating and cooling systems up to their best performance!
Call today to schedule your appointment!
