An air conditioner that is extremely energy efficient can help you save a lot of hard-earned money. Moreover, it will work towards keeping your house cool and comfortable for a long time. Whether you are changing your existing system or considering a new one, the experts would often ask you to check for the SEER rating of the system. This is the most important factor you should be considering while getting a new air conditioning system.

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What is Air Conditioner SEER Rating?

AC SEER Rating or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the unit to measure the efficiency of the air conditioner. It is the ratio calculated by taking the cooling output by total energy input. It is stated that the higher the SEER rating, the better will be the air conditioning system. You should be checking into the market thoroughly to find the right system for you. The SEER rating is often calculated using the British Thermal Unit.

How is The AC SEER Rating Calculated?

There have been several questions around the internet about how the SEER rating is measured. The system measures the efficiency of your air conditioning and heat pump cooling system. The cooling output is divided by the total energy input at the same time. The SEER rating is said to be the maximum efficiency rating. The maximum efficiency of an air conditioner is regarded to be 21 SEER.

What is a Good AC SEER Rating?

The higher the SEER rating, the higher will be the efficiency. The minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is regarded to be 13. The latest introductions in the market have a SEER rating of 13 to 21. Before buying the air conditioner from a particular brand, you should prefer checking the SEER rating of the company. Also, the efficiency of the system may as well be calculated depending on the size and other factors of the ductwork at your house.

Things To Consider About A/C SEER Rating?

Now that you are aware of how to calculate SEER rating and which one is a good one, you will need to know a lot of other factors as well. This will be helpful for you to buy the best AC unit for your needs.

1. Compare Cooling Cost

The cooling power of the air conditioner is typically measured in BTU per hour. Back when the energy rate was pretty cheap, people bought air conditioners based on cooling power. However, with the increase in the price of energy, people are now considering higher efficiency when compared to cooling power. It’s everyone’s right to get the best of both worlds. This is why you too should be considering getting an AC unit that provides the highest cooling power with the lowest power consumption.

Having an idea about the SEER ratings can allow you to compare the operational cost for different models of air conditioners. This way, you will be able to know the cooling cost and can choose the brand accordingly. Higher SEER rating would ensure better efficiency for the system.

2. Air Conditioner SEER Rating Reduces With Time

As the air conditioner becomes older, the efficiency goes down the drain. This eventually results in the drop of the SEER rating. Although it is normal for all the ac models, you should be working towards getting regular ac maintenance. This would help in increasing the lifespan of your system. According to reports scheduling regular maintenance of your air conditioner can help to lower 40% of energy cost. As a result, not only the lifespan extends but you also get to save money.

3. AC SEER Ratings Are Based On Standardized Tests

Although SEER Ratings are important, they do not tell the entire story, which is why it is necessary to check the facts thoroughly. The air conditioners are offered SEER ratings based on the tests done by the Department of Energy. The outdoor temperature and relative humidity are calculated to find the potential rating.

Based on the tests, even 60% can be considered to be the most efficient for the systems. 16 SEER rating is always considered to be better than 10 SEER rating. The climate and home also have an impact on the test. You cannot gather entire information from SEER rating because it varies depending on the house conditions. The insulation and ductwork may as well have an impact on the SEER Ratings of the system.

4. The Minimum SEER Ratings Differ By Area

In the past, the air conditioners had a rating of 8 to 10 SEER because of the surrounding conditions. However, with each passing day, the efficiency rates keep on improving. By 2015, 13 SEER was considered to be the most efficiency ratings. However, now the entire system varies and is dependent upon the surrounding region. Based on your climatic conditions, the ratings may vary from 13 to 25 SEER. Before you buy a system for yourself, make sure to check with the laws and your surrounding conditions. This is why it is always wise to get a trained and certified HVAC technician to come out to your location and perform an initial site survey. Getting a survey done for your location before purchasing the AC unit can help you avoid costly headaches down the road. An expert can help you make the right decision in all cases.

5. High SEER Rating AC Units Can Pay For Themselves

Not all prefer investing a lot in air conditioners, but it can be totally helpful in the long run. The high SEER rated air conditioners may be expensive, but it can be a better and wise investment. The minimum SEER rating of 14, can make substantial use of energy. An energy-efficient system can be helpful in the long run, and help you save energy, especially in hot climate regions like Texas.

According to reports, in the coming years, a SEER rating of 13-14 can pay for itself as well. The average lifespan of a central air conditioning system maybe 15 years. If you have an idea about the difference in price, it can be fruitful for you. However, it is necessary to install the system properly to fully take advantage of the energy efficiency of your new high SEER rated AC unit.

6. What Air Conditioner SEER Rating Should You Be Buying?

Often people have questions regarding what SEER rating they should be considering while buying an air conditioner. The minimum SEER rating you should be considering is a 13, and the highest is 25 SEER. However, there is a great difference in the price for the hike in SEER rating. The price may even escalate up to fifty percent. However, an AC unit with 13 SEER will keep your house as cool as 16 SEER. The thermal rating will have a role in energy consumption.

You should be considering SEER ratings if you want an energy-efficient system that can help you save money. However, you should be aware of the initial costs as well. Investing in finding the AC unit with the right SEER rating can be beneficial in the long run. Make sure to reach out to experts to find the best AC system for your needs and budget.

To make things easier and to make the best possible decision you should call in a professional HVAC company. Since an HVAC tech will have experience and knowledge backing them up they would be the best person to do a site survey and then lay out the best possible solution within your budget. Don’t live with regrets instead call in the pros.

For fast, reliable AC & Heating repair, service, installation, or sales, contact the professionals at 1^st Class Heat & Air. We offer after-hours AC repair and can provide help for AC compressor failure seven days per week. Call us today at 972-673-0408 .