Top 5 Things To Know About SEER Ratings
- susan4434
- Aug 24, 2021
- 5 min read
Purchasing a new air conditioner is a significant purchase, and if you have ever shopped for one, the choices can overwhelm you. One important consideration when purchasing a new air conditioner is the unit’s SEER rating. The rating can impact the long-term health of the air conditioner and save you money on energy bills.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It represents the total energy needed for the AC unit to supply cool air to your home.
This article will cover the top five things you need to know about air conditioner SEER ratings and why understanding these facts will help you purchase the best AC unit for your home.
1.What is SEER?
SEER is a rating that represents energy usage by an air conditioning unit under average conditions and normal use. Specifically, it is the annual measurement (measured in Btu) of how much an air conditioner cools or the output during an average usage period, divided by the total energy needed or input (measured in watt-hours) in that same usage period.
The U.S. Department of Energy governs the efficiency of air conditioning units, so they are responsible for assigning a SEER rating to every air conditioning unit sold. The U.S. Department of Energy SEER ratings also requires minimum SEER ratings for different areas of the country.
Older air conditioning units can have a SEER rating of six but average between eight and 10. In 2015, the Department of Energy changed the SEER standards, and now the SEER ratings range from 13 to 26. In addition, all air conditioners will have an EnergyGuide sticker that will show the SEER rating of that unit.
If you have an older air conditioner that does not meet the new standards, that is okay. You will not have to change out to a new air conditioner. However, you will see a significant difference in your energy consumption by switching to a newer, more efficient unit.
2. A Higher SEER Rating Will Save You Money
The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient an AC unit works. The more energy-efficient, the more money a homeowner saves on energy bills.
For example, moving from a 16 to an 18 SEER air conditioner will save about nine percent on energy consumption. Energy savings are even more significant when moving from the old SEER standards to the new. For example, moving from a 10 SEER rating to 13 will improve energy efficiency by 30 percent.
A higher SEER rated AC costs more than lower SEER rated units. However, even though the upfront costs for a high SEER rating will be high initially, you will gain significant savings in your monthly energy bill.
On average, homeowners should expect a three to eight percent improvement in efficiency to cover their equipment costs. The cost savings usually cover the equipment costs within three to four years from installation. And since most air conditioners last 25 to 20 years, the savings will outweigh the upfront costs in the long term.
3. Usage and Maintenance Can Affect SEER Rating
As mentioned, the SEER rating is calculated based on typical usage during an average period. However, many factors can affect the SEER rating. Some factors that can change the energy efficiency of an AC unit include:
Household Composition: The number of people and pets that live in a home affects the home’s climate requirements. More people and pets will need cooler settings to keep everyone comfortable, which requires your air conditioner to work harder than usual and affects the average SEER rating.
Usage and Temperature Settings: Running an air conditioner at cooler temperatures than the average or running the system for longer periods can increase energy usage and decrease energy efficiency
Maintenance: An AC unit must be maintained regularly to ensure the system is running as efficiently as possible. Dirt, pollen, and debris can clog air filters, ducts, and lines, making the AC system work harder to push cool air into indoor spaces, resulting in less efficiency. Cleaning and maintaining the AC system regularly ensure the AC will work efficiently for a longer time.
Local Climate: A hot and humid environment or extreme seasonal changes can affect how an AC unit is used and increase or decrease energy efficiency.
Installation: Correctly installing an AC unit ensures the system is running at the most efficient levels possible. A professional who is trained in AC installation must complete many steps in the AC installation process. Some examples of work an AC professional will perform on an installation include:
Properly install and seal ductwork.
Ensure electrical wiring is correct.
Choose the best location for the system to maximize airflow and access for cleaning and inspecting.
Charge refrigerant to appropriate levels at installation.
4. Higher SEER Ratings Perform Better
Purchasing an air conditioning system with a higher SEER rating equals a better-performing air conditioner. The higher SEER units usually include a variable-speed blower and a two-stage or variable-speed compressor, allowing the unit to use less energy and work faster to cool your home.
When the home requires significant cooling, a two-stage or dual-stage compressor operates at full capacity. But, when the cooling demand is lower, it can also work at a lower setting.
Lower rated SEER units that do not have a two-stage compressor only work on and off, so the unit works harder to get back up to cooling at 100% capacity. Single-stage units will also cool homes more unevenly.
5. Get Professional Advice on SEER
Because average conditions make up SEER ratings, it is best to consult a professional AC installer to get the best idea of what SEER rating is suitable for your home.
Purchasing the most efficient and largest air conditioner for a home can sometimes be counterproductive. A unit will only work to the level the house requires, so if you purchase the largest, most efficient system, you may be paying more for a powerful AC system that you may never use. You may also be stuck with expensive repairs since more costly units often need more expensive parts.
A professional AC installer will assess the size of your home, climate conditions and household requirements to recommend the best unit and SEER rating for your particular situation. They will also know the standard minimum SEER requirement for your area.
Final Thoughts
Looking for a higher SEER rating when purchasing a new or replacement air conditioner is a smart consideration. A higher SEER rating will save money on energy bills and mean a better running AC unit.
Tax credits and manufacturer’s rebates are also available to incentivize consumers to purchase more energy-efficient units.
If you are interested in learning more about energy-efficient air conditioners for your home, please contact Air Control of Northwest Arkansas. A professional AC technician can come to your home and offer an assessment of your home's requirements and options on different SEER rating units.
The technician will provide you a recommended list of units sized correctly for your home, including unit and installation costs. You always have the option of obtaining an additional quote and signing off on any work done to the house before the work begins.
Air Control technicians can repair and install most major brands, and due to large-volume purchasing, we can save most customers an average of 37 percent on their new heating or cooling system. In addition, we honor most manufacturers’ part warranties, saving you money. Air Control is also the preferred service partner for all Sam's Club and Lowe's Home Improvement stores in Northwest Arkansas.
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