Earlier this month we took a look at some of the features that make for an energy-efficient air conditioning unit. Things like coils, size of the unit, and other features help an air conditioning unit run efficiently, cooling a home effectively and saving you money on your bill. But you don’t have to be an air conditioning expert like us to know if you’re going to have an energy-efficient unit. You can just look for a handy rating on the side of the box. So, this time on the blog let’s examine and answer the question, “what is a good SEER rating?”
What’s A Seer Rating?
First, let’s address what the SEER rating is! Not a lot of folks know the name, though I’d bet they would recognize the little yellow sticker.
SEER Rating
The season energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating is defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, a similar standard is used in Europe called the ESEER (the first E is European, go figure)!
The SEER rating is measured on a simple scale, usually anywhere from 13 to about 25. Here in Arizona, the minimum SEER rating and air conditioner can have to be sold is 14. It’s a simple system designed to help consumers / homeowners more easily compare units.
The higher the number the more efficient the air conditioning unit is! Think of it like gas mileage. The more miles you can get per gallon, the better the vehicle, right? We’ll save all of us the math headache and put it briefly the rating is determined by the amount of cooling power it puts out, divided by the amount of energy it requires. So, if your AC has a SEER rating of 14, that means it puts out 14 cooling units for every 1 unit of energy used.
14 Seer vs 18 Seer Savings
So let’s get back to the question at hand, what is a good SEER rating? Honestly? For most home residences a 18 seer vs 14 seer rating is good, for what it needs to do. Higher SEER ratings exist but the higher they are the more expensive the unit is going to be.
And remember, SEER ratings aren’t everything. No matter how efficient your air conditioner is if your home isn’t insulated right, or the vents and ducts are obstructed then your unit won’t be able to cool your home to the absolute peak of its powers. In Arizona, we know how crucial an air conditioner is to living during the summer months, and they need to work without breaking the bank. So, help your air conditioners cool your home efficiently, stay on top of your filters, ensure your home is insulated correctly, and keep your HVAC maintenance regular.
Want to know what kind of SEER rating our AC units have? Want to save yourself the work and hire a trusted, expert team to recommend and install your next air conditioner? Give ACE Home Services a call! Schedule your service today, whether it’s a simple tune-up or a full blown replacement we’re here to help.
