What is a SEER Rating?

If you’re deciding to upgrade your HVAC unit, SEER is an important metric to understand. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating/Ratio. It measures the energy efficiency of an HVAC unit, and the higher it is, the more you can potentially save on your energy bill. But what exactly determines a SEER rating? And what’s the ideal rating for a unit?

Defining SEER

The SEER rating is quite simple. It’s the energy expended compared with the air actually cooled over the course of a year. It’s an important factor in your utility bills, as energy burned is money spent. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the HVAC system is. However, the SEER is a maximum level of efficiency. External factors, like square footage and insulation, can lower the efficiency of practical applications.

Benefits of a High SEER

Now that you understand what a SEER rating is, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to get a high SEER rating. There is no fixed answer here. Other factors, like the ones mentioned above, come into play when upgrading your HVAC. Still, there are cost and energy benefits to a higher-rated SEER.

The minimum SEER required by HVAC systems today is 13. Most AC units today are between a 13-21 rating. This doesn’t mean you need on above 13, as older AC units typically have a SEER of eight or nine. There are impressive eco-friendly and cost benefits, however. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy it takes to produce the cooled air for your home. This means less waste from less electricity consumed, and less cost to you over the year. According to GlobalWebIndex, $46 of Baby Boomers and 61% of Millenials are willing to pay for more expensive and eco-friendly products. So expect HVAC suppliers to keep manufacturing high-rated units.

Other Factors

Many machines with a high SEER variable speed airflow and variable speed compressors. This allows the machine to keep running at a lower level when the home reaches the desired temperature instead of totally shutting off, as a single-stage AC unit does. This allows for more consistent temperature, and less time spent at full power.

Remember to consider the size of your home, the BTUs (power output) of the machine, the noise it generates, and reliability. Talk to an HVAC contractor to get the best idea of what’s right for your home, and see what kind of warranties different brands offer. For more information on high-quality HVAC units, speak with the professionals at the HVAC Outlet. They have served clients in all 50 states and have the expert knowledge to help you get the best HVAC system for your home.