There are a lot of figures you have to consider when purchasing a brand-new air conditioning system. A qualified HVAC technician could probably spend hours discussing all of the data you should look for before making a final decision. However, one of the simplest numbers that all homeowners need to be educated on is the SEER rating. Since this rating doesn’t translate to many other areas of life, homeowners are often puzzled by what this rating should mean to them and why it even matters.
We want you to be able to make the wisest decision with your new air conditioning unit. We put together this short guide to give you a professional glimpse at just why the SEER rating should matter to you.
What is the SEER rating?
SEER stands for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This system is used to measure just how well your air conditioning unit is going to function once you bring it home. It basically measures how much cooling power the unit can create based on the amount of energy it uses. A higher SEER rating indicates a much more efficient air conditioner. Homeowners who spot a low SEER rating know that their conditioner is likely to use a lot of electricity with very little payoff when it comes to the comfort of their home.
As the years pass, most appliances are steadily becoming more efficient. Air conditioning units are no exception to the general trend. Your old unit likely has a much lower SEER rating compared to the new versions you could be shopping for right now.
Why is the SEER rating important?
The SEER rating could indicate how much money you will save with a new unit. Your air conditioning unit likely uses the most electricity compared to all of your other household appliances. You can minimize just how much electricity it uses by selecting a model with a higher SEER rating. While this is definitely great for the environment, it can also be very beneficial for your wallet when the monthly utility bill arrives.
You should know that the SEER rating will also play a role in how much your air conditioning unit costs upfront. A more efficient unit with a higher SEER rating is likely to cost more on your initial investment. You will have to find a balance between how much money you could save monthly and how much you can afford to spend on your immediate purchase.
Keep in mind that a good SEER rating ranges from 14 to 21. Be sure to consider how much you can save compared to the cost of the unit using energy savings calculators like this one from Lennox. This can help you to make a wise decision on your investment.
Are you ready to replace your air conditioning unit? Provincial Heating and Cooling is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer that can help to answer any questions you might have. Let us walk you through the process of choosing a unit and a SEER rating that is perfect for your home!