There is a lot that goes into buying a new air conditioner – size, features, price. But one of the most important factors is the SEER rating. The AC SEER rating of a central air conditioner or heat pump HVAC unit is the unit’s energy efficiency ratio, which shares its maximum efficiency over cooling season.
Choosing a higher SEER rating versus AC units with a lower AC SEER rating will have noticeable impacts on the price you pay for your HVAC system as well as the price you pay on your energy bills over the years your new HVAC unit is in service. It’s important to understand the details of the SEER air conditioner or heat pump before you make a selection.
What is a good SEER rating for air conditioners? And why are AC SEER ratings important when buying a new HVAC system?Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing answers those questions and more to help you understand what factors are important when shopping for air conditioning units and heat pump AC systems.
What Is a SEER Rating?
Most people know that energy efficiency is important, but not everyone understands what SEER ratings are or how they work. SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and it’s a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner uses the energy it consumes. In other words, SEER ratings tell you how much cooling output you can expect from your AC unit in relation to the amount of energy it will use. SEER ratings are calculated by dividing the output of AC units over a typical cooling season by the total amount of energy the air conditioners consume.
The Energy Guide label attached to the exterior of the AC unit contains information about the air conditioner’s SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.
A SEER rating serves as a good estimate of an air conditioner’s maximum possible efficiency. However, it’s important to remember that your system will only be able to reach those standards in near-ideal conditions. In other words, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or if your AC unit isn’t properly maintained, you can expect the actual energy efficiency of your system to be lower than its SEER rating.
SEER Ratings Impact Energy Bills
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio is a rating that measures the efficiency of your air conditioner. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy your AC unit will consume to produce the same amount of cooling. In other words, a higher SEER rating means lower energy bills. For example, an AC unit with a SEER rating of 20 will use less energy than a unit with a SEER rating of 13. Not only does this make good financial sense, but it’s also good for the environment, as your cooling system consumes less energy. So when you’re shopping for a new air conditioner, be sure to check the SEER rating to ensure you’re getting the most efficient model possible.
Air Conditioning Unit Price Impacted by SEER Rating
When you’re shopping for a new air conditioner, one of the things you’ll want to look at is the SEER rating. The SEER rating is a measure of how efficient the air conditioner is, and air conditioners with higher SEER ratings tend to be more expensive than those with lower SEER ratings. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking at SEER ratings. First of all, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioner is. This means that you’ll save money on your energy bills over time. In addition, air conditioners with higher SEER ratings tend to have longer lifespans than those with lower SEER ratings. So, even though you may pay more upfront for a higher SEER air conditioner, you’ll likely save money in the long run.
Minimum SEER Ratings for Columbus Central Air Conditioners
The U.S. Department of Energy has set minimum efficiency standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps. Currently, the minimum SEER rating is 13 SEER in northern states and 14 SEER in southern states. However, these standards will be increasing in 2023. The minimum SEER rating in the north will be 14 SEER, and in the south, it will be 15 SEER.
The new minimum SEER ratings only apply to newly built central air conditioner units and heat pumps, not those already installed in homes. The minimum SEER rating for the area in which you live is the lowest seasonal energy efficiency rating that HVAC system companies are legally permitted to sell. If you are offered a lower SEER rating option, this is a good sign you do not want to do business with such a company.
High SEER AC Units
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC unit is. AC units with SEER ratings of 16 or higher are considered high-efficiency systems. The best high-efficiency air conditioners have SEER ratings of 26 or higher. These AC units use less energy to cool your home, which can save you money on your energy bills. In addition, high-efficiency air conditioners often come with features that help them use energy more efficiently, such as variable-speed compressors and fans. These features help the AC unit to better regulate the temperature in your home while using less energy. As a result, choosing a high-efficiency air conditioner can help you save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
What Is a Good SEER Rating?
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer when it comes to deciding on a good SEER rating for your home. The definition of a good SEER rating depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a high-efficiency air conditioner, then you should look for a unit with a SEER rating of 17 or higher. However, if you are more concerned with unit affordability, then a SEER rating of 14 or 15 may be more suitable for you.
It is important to weigh the initial and long-term costs and benefits of each system before making a decision. By doing this, you can ensure that you choose the air conditioner with the best SEER rating for your home.
If you want to strike a balance between affordability of a new air conditioner and generating savings on your energy bills over time, try an air conditioner with a SEER rating between 15 SEER and 18 SEER. Many homeowners find this is a happy meeting point to satisfy goals on both ends of the spectrum.
New Air Conditioning Unit Installation
When shopping for a new air conditioner, you need to understand the SEER rating and how it affects your purchase. SEER ratings measure energy efficiency, so the higher the rating, the more money you can save on your utility bills. When shopping for a new AC unit, look for one with a high SEER rating to get the most value for your investment.to receive an estimate for installation of a new air conditioner with a high SEER rating that will help keep your home comfortable all summer long.
