If you’re thinking about buying a new HVAC unit for your home, there are many factors for you to consider. While the price and voltage of the system are two factors that undoubtedly matter, another aspect of HVAC systems that should be at the forefront of your mind involves the SEER rating that the unit has. This rating identifies how efficient a cooling system is, which you should be aware of before making your final purchase.
What Does the SEER Rating Mean?
SEER refers to seasonal energy efficiency ratio. What this rating means is that heat pumps and air conditioners are measured for efficiency. The SEER rating is calculated with a basic formula wherein the cooling output for a standard cooling season is divided by the total amount of electrical energy that’s consumed during this period.
In most cases, SEER ratings extend from 13 to 20. Higher ratings indicate that a system is more efficient. However, systems with high SEER ratings cost more than ones with lower SEER ratings, which is why it’s recommended that you perform a cost-benefit analysis before deciding which heat pump or air conditioner you should buy for your home.
Why Does the SEER Rating Matter?
While you now know what the SEER rating means, you should also understand why this rating matters and how it can benefit you as a homeowner. For one, systems with higher ratings typically have less impact on the environment. When a system is outfitted with a higher SEER rating, this means that the system can create more cool air than systems with lower SEER ratings without using as much energy.
It’s also important to note that better efficiency equates to lower monthly energy bills, which means that you should save money on your monthly bills after purchasing a unit with a high SEER rating. When you use a lower amount of energy, you will automatically have lower energy bills every month.
Keep in mind that your savings will be higher if you’re replacing a very old heat pump or air conditioner with a unit that has a high SEER rating. Along with the fact that older systems have low SEER ratings, these systems lose their efficiency over time, which means that the effective SEER rating is even lower. Because of your reduced energy bills, you should be able to offset the initial costs for a unit with a high SEER rating over time.
Another notable benefit of knowing what SEER rating a system has is that systems with high SEER ratings can make your living situation more comfortable. If you have an inefficient air conditioner, you may find that the system takes longer to cool your home on a hot day, which means that you’ll likely sweat more and find it difficult to enjoy living in your own home. Because units with high SEER ratings have more effective and efficient motors, you can be confident that your home will be kept consistently cool.
Keep in mind that tax rebates may be available when you install an air conditioner with a high SEER rating. However, tax rebates differ depending on where you live.
Yet another reason why SEER ratings are important is because of how systems with higher ratings are able to improve the air quality in a home or building. When an HVAC unit is working efficiently, allergens and dust particles will be properly filtered out.
What Are the Minimum SEER Standards?
Homeowners and business owners benefit from the SEER rating system because minimum SEER standards have been set by the U.S. Department of Energy, which means that every heat pump or air conditioner must be at least somewhat energy efficient. Companies are no longer able to manufacture cooling systems that are essentially inefficient.
The minimum SEER standards depend on where you live in the U.S. For people in northern states, the minimum SEER rating for a split A/C system is 13. Split heat pumps have a minimum SEER rating of 14. Southern states have a minimum SEER rating of 14 for both split A/C and split heat pump systems. Keep in mind that it’s possible for minimum SEER standards to change on an annual basis.
Here at R.J. Groner Inc., we offer a wide range of heating, cooling, and plumbing services to account for your every need. We work with reputable and trustworthy manufacturers and can provide service for all makes and models of heaters, air conditioners, boilers, water filtration systems, and water heaters. Our services are comprehensive and can accommodate any repair, maintenance, and installation needs you might have in Stroudsburg or the surrounding area. Contact R.J. Groner Inc. for more information or to schedule an appointment!
