If you’re looking for a new, efficient AC system, chances are you’ve come across a SEER rating before. Being unfamiliar with the terminology can you put you at a disadvantage. You don’t want to be uninformed when it comes to your HVAC system.
My Guy Heating and Air is here to help you understand SEER and why it matters to you. Making choices around your air conditioning unit can become overwhelming without the correct information. Below, we’ve broken down the elements of SEER and hope that this will help you better understand your HVAC system.
What Does SEER Stand For?
SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, is used to measure the efficiency of the air conditioning and heat pump. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the unit runs. You can think of the SEER rating of a cooling unit as the miles per gallon of a car. The higher the number, the more efficiently it operates.
Maximum Efficiency
A higher SEER rating provides better energy efficiency. The higher the number, the better it operates. Just like the miles per gallon of your car, SEER can be affected by circumstances like climate or other conditions. It is important to note that a higher rating isn’t everything, but a cooling system that is more efficient than your current one can help you save energy and stay comfortable.
Remember, your air conditioners do more than cool your home. Units with low ratings can cause your home to become uncomfortable. These units typically turn off and on frequently. This causes uneven cooling or hotspots and can increase the humidity levels in your home.
SEER Ratings for Different Climates
The U.S Department of Energy maintains a minimum requirement for ratings based on what region you are in. The minimums in the Southwest and Southeast fall around 14 and drop to 13 the farther north you go.
Other Factors To Think About
Proper Installation Matters
If you have an 18 SEER-rated unit installed incorrectly, it will not function like it has an 18 SEER rating. This is why professional AC installation is essential. Air conditioning units are a significant investment — protect and get the most out of your investment by hiring a pro.
Equipment Matching
An air conditioner relies on the equipment located in your furnace to cool your home effectively. If the blower motor in your current furnace doesn’t match your new cooling unit, you will not be getting what you paid for.
There Is No “Good” or “Bad” Rating
There is no key number that makes a unit good or bad. How well the new unit will work for you depends on a few factors, including:
- The size of your home
- Climate
- Humidity
- Usage
All of these elements can influence how a unit operates.
Need More AC Information?
My Guy Heating and Air has taken on Escondido AC services that are unmatched. When you invite our team into your home or business, you know you are receiving the same high-quality services we would provide for our own family. Call us today if you need help picking out a new, efficient AC unit, installing or evaluating your old one!
