Finding the best HVAC system for your home can be difficult. Each household has unique comfort and energy needs that are hard to meet. You've likely heard about SEER ratings but might not know how they play a role in your daily comfort. Determining your HVAC system's SEER rating can help you better understand the energy your household needs to stay safe and comfortable throughout the year. Here's everything you need to know about your SEER rating and why it's important to your HVAC system.
SEER Rating
In the HVAC industry, SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rating determines how much energy and money it takes for your HVAC system to run in a single year. For example, a SEER rating can be calculated by taking your system’s cool air output during the summer and dividing it by the total cost of the energy required.
The more energy your system needs to effectively produce cold air, the lower its SEER rating will be. While a system’s SEER rating is its maximum possible efficiency, your air conditioner can also lose efficiency due to a range of factors like outdated parts, leaky ductwork, or system age.
The concept of a SEER rating is similar to miles per hour for vehicles. A car will reach its highest miles per hour possible when it’s in ideal conditions like driving on a highway. Your HVAC system also needs specific conditions to reach its maximum efficiency or SEER rating.
Significance of SEER Rating
Not every home needs an HVAC system with the highest SEER rating available. Your ideal range depends on the size of your home, your average local temperatures, and the quality of your insulation. Trained professionals can evaluate your household to determine the system that best fits your unique needs.
Finding your home’s ideal SEER rating range can boost your comfort while decreasing your monthly energy bills. You can find your current system’s SEER rating by looking for any kind of sticker or marking. The SEER rating may have also been incorporated into the system’s model name. If you can’t find the rating, determine your serial number and model and contact the manufacturer.
Determining your current system’s SEER rating is a good starting point when exploring other system options. Older systems often have SEER ratings between 8 and 13. If you want a more efficient system, you can look for alternatives with ratings above 16. Looking for Energy Star-certified air conditioners or heat pumps is a great way to find the most efficient options.
Benefits of High SEER Rating
While systems with higher SEER ratings often cost more, they also come with a variety of benefits that help your wallet and environmental impact. A high SEER rating means your HVAC system will operate more efficiently as long as you meet specific conditions. If you properly maintain and care for your system, you can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in energy costs. Your home will stay comfortable throughout the seasons without you having to break your budget.
A higher SEER rating also means the system will provide better comfort than other, less efficient alternatives. Better HVAC systems are better equipped to handle your home’s humidity level and indoor air quality. Units with low SEER ratings may actually contribute to dust and pollutants in your breathing air.
Finally, systems with high SEER ratings are better for the environment and will lower your home’s carbon footprint. New air conditioners can take advantage of the numerous advancements made in the industry. High-quality AC units now have the option to use safer refrigerants that aren’t as dangerous to the local or global environment. You and your family deserve the best indoor comfort possible at a reasonable cost. Don’t settle for using an old HVAC system with a low SEER rating. Contact an HVAC technician to find more efficient models in your area.
Indoor Comfort Company in Cincinnati
Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help you with all your indoor comfort needs in Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding communities. Our talented team has earned a reputation for excellence over the past 50 years. Trust our NATE-certified technicians to offer premium services and exceptional customer service. We can maintain, repair, and replace your heating or cooling system. Our team can also clean your drains, check your sewer lines and install a new garbage disposal or sink. Call today to schedule an appointment.
