By understanding the SEER rating before installing a new air conditioner in your Florida home, you can experience a more even cooling and increased energy efficiency when it comes to your HVAC system. Here’s what you should know about SEER ratings and how they can help you stay cool while saving money!
What Is a SEER Rating?
The acronym SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.” It’s important to understand that seasonal doesn’t refer to summer specifically, but rather the warm weather pattern differences in each of the three regions of the United States. Every air conditioning unit sold in the U.S. is assigned a SEER rating in order to help you choose the best cooling system for your home, based on your local weather pattern. Understanding what this SEER rating means will help you get the most out of your new air conditioner.
Basically, the SEER rating is designed to measure an air conditioner’s BTU, or total cooling output, divided by the total energy input, which is measured in watts per hour, over a normal warm season of usage.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) developed the SEER rating system to help you choose the best and most energy efficient air conditioner for your specific needs. Typically, the minimum SEER ratings for newer AC units is 13-14. However, ratings can go much higher to accommodate larger spaces and different cooling needs. Typically, SEER rating requirements can vary according to regional location, so it’s always best to check with a local professional to make sure you are in alignment with local guidelines.
Calculate Your Costs
For those who are mathematically inclined, the DOE’s formulas can help you to calculate the overall energy efficiency of your potential new air conditioner. For the remaining masses, the AHRI offers a more simple formula to help you calculate the annual cost of operating your potential new unit.
Things to Consider
In general, you may pay more for an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating. However, you will also most likely see a greater return on your investment over time through lower monthly energy costs and greater energy efficiency. It’s important to understand that a higher SEER rating isn’t always the best choice as there are several variables that should be considered when making your purchase. Before installing a new air conditioner, you should ask some of the following questions:
- How long do you plan to stay in your home?
- What is the proper air conditioner size for the intended space?
- How energy efficient is your home overall?
Choosing the best air conditioner and SEER rating for your home can also depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Impact of daily sunshine your home receives
- Total volume of interior space you intend to cool
- Age, condition, and orientation of your existing windows
- Overall age and energy efficiency of your home
AC Installation in Fort Myers & Naples, FL
If you are installing a new air conditioner and still have questions about SEER ratings and which HVAC system is best for you—let the professionals at Certified Heating and Cooling help! Our NATE-certified technicians can answer all of your SEER rating questions while explaining why different AC units might be better for the size, location, and age of your home. We strive to provide complete home comfort for all of our customers throughout the Port Charlotte, Naples, and Fort Myers areas of Florida.
Give us a call at (239) 204-4114 or contact us online today to talk with a professional about air conditioner installation services and SEER ratings!
