What Is An Air Conditioner SEER Rating?
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What Does SEER Mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. What is a SEER rating? The SEER rating measures the cooling your unit does over a season by the energy it uses. Think of the SEER as your AC’s maximum potential and efficiency. Generally speaking, a system with a higher SEER rating means that it’s more energy efficient than one with a lower rating. Ultimately, an increase in efficiency can lead you to savings in energy consumption which means lower monthly costs for you, the homeowner!
It varies with each brand, but overall SEER ratings range from 13 to 22. When you’re shopping for a new cooling system, we recommend looking for a system with a SEER rating on the higher end of the scale. However, variables such as the size of your home and the current ductwork should also be considered.
How Do I Find My AC’s SEER Rating?
Look for a yellow and black “Energy Guide” sticker, which is usually found on the side of the condenser. If this sticker is intact, it will tell you the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio in large numbers.
If there’s no sticker, you can look for a piece of paper taped to the front of the air handler. Your HVAC contractor more than likely listed the performance data of your system there. If neither of those reveals your SEER rating, you can check your unit’s data plate. Along with the model number, some manufacturers include the SEER rating there.
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How Do SEER Ratings Impact Air Conditioners?
If you’re considering having an air conditioner installed soon, getting a higher SEER rating system has its benefits. Higher SEER units often come with two-stage compressors and a variable speed blower, both of which are great for increased comfort and cooling in your home during the hot, summer months.
Keep in mind a SEER rating indicates the unit’s maximum potential. For example, when a unit says it has a value of 21 SEER, the rating can be as high as 21 SEER. It will not always perform at 21 SEER because the laws of thermodynamics limit the rating. Additional factors impact an air conditioner’s efficiency and performance, including outdoor temperatures, thermostat settings, sun exposure, and mechanical problems.
An HVAC specialist can help you determine the most appropriate SEER rating for your new A/C unit using equations that average the maximum Energy Efficiency Raito (EER) over the range of expected seasonal temperatures. If you’re due for an AC replacement, call (732) 652-9356 or contact Team Electric to speak with a professional about what SEER rating is best for you and your needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying An Air Conditioner
While SEER ratings are an important factor when buying an air conditioner, it’s also necessary to consider:
- – EER ratings
- – Budget
- – Size of your home
- – Unit’s life expectancy
- – Climate
- – Length of the cooling season
- – Warranty terms
- – Number of hours you plan to use the A/C per day
- – Lifetime costs (energy, maintenance, and repairs)
- – Fan-only switch to circulate air without conditioning it
The implementation of SEER ratings has made air conditioners more energy-efficient and Earth-friendly, which benefits users, the planet, and future generations.
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4 Benefits of Investing In A New Air Conditioner
When your air conditioner hits the 10-year mark, it’s time to start shopping for a new HVAC system. From improved indoor air quality to lower utility bills, look forward to these benefits in a new air conditioning unit:
1. Lower Energy Consumption
One of the biggest benefits a new cooling system offers is a significant improvement in energy efficiency, especially when compared to your current cooling system. We recommend looking for an Energy Star-certified unit. Models with Energy Star certification are required to meet strict efficiency standards.
2. Lower Energy Bills
With reduced energy consumption comes lower utility bills. If you want to translate your energy savings into dollars and cents, check the yellow Energy Guide label. You’d be surprised at just how much money you’ll save by upgrading to a new air conditioner, especially when you multiply the savings over the average life of the system.
3. Enhanced Comfort
As air conditioners age, they don’t always keep you quite as cool. More advanced systems have a compressor sound insulator, so you won’t hear your air conditioning unit operating.
4. Superior Indoor Air Quality
Along with cooling your home, air conditioners are responsible for keeping your indoor air clean. When you invest in a new unit, the system will help eliminate pollen, dust, mold, and other airborne pollutants from your home’s air supply.
All of the air conditioning units installed by Team Electric are built to last. You can expect them to run efficiently and last for a long time, especially when you Keeping up with your air conditioner maintenance is an added way to ensure longevity from your unit. Contact Team Electric to save money on utility bills and keep your home comfortable all year long.
Air Conditioning Repair & Replacement Services
At Team Electric, your comfort is our goal. Our team of specialists performs air conditioner repairs on all major brands and manufacturers. You can count on us to get your AC unit back up and running quickly. We currently offer air conditioning repair, maintenance, replacement, and tune-up services in areas near and surrounding Brick, Howell, Tom’s River, Middletown, and Elizabeth. In addition, we offer other types of plumbing and HVAC services such as water heater repair, furnace installation, and sump pump repair. If you notice any key issues, call (732) 201-3305 and speak with the service professional at Team Electric Plumbing & Air. When caught early, a simple repair may fix any issue with your air conditioner.
