Lowering your energy bill is something that concerns homeowners across the Cincinnati area. With summer in full swing here in Ohio, you want to make sure you understand all there is to know about SEER ratings on central air conditioners. When it comes time to buy a new air conditioner, one of the most important factors to consider is the SEER rating. Do you know what SEER stands for, and how the SEER rating of an AC system can impact your AC unit purchase? No one wants an unexpected high energy bill in the middle of summer – knowing the AC SEER rating will help you understand how much energy a new HVAC system will consume while keeping your home at a constant indoor temperature.
Consult with a technician before deciding on the best air conditioner for your home in terms of AC SEER ratings. Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is able to guide you through the specifics of your home’s air conditioning cooling output needs as well as give you an idea of what SEER ratio would be most cost-effective for your needs. Here we explain what you need to know about air conditioning system and heat pump seasonal energy efficiency rating numbers as it relates to your purchase decision when buying a central air conditioner HVAC unit as well as the costs associated with operating the new AC unit over time.
If you’re looking to buy a new air conditioning unit for your Cincinnati area home, Thomas & Galbraith can help. Contact us today to receive a quote for installation of a central air conditioner or heat pump HVAC system and learn more about how the SEER rating determines energy efficiency of the HVAC unit.
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, is a rating that measures how efficiently an air conditioner uses the energy it consumes. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. SEER ratings are calculated by dividing the output of AC units over a typical cooling season by the total amount of energy the air conditioners consume.
The SEER rating can be found on the Energy Guide label, which is attached to the exterior of the AC unit. The Energy Guide label also provides other important information about the air conditioner’s energy usage, so be sure to check it before making your purchase.
However, it is important to remember that the SEER rating is not an absolute. Just like your car’s miles per gallon rating, the maximum efficiency is only achievable under ideal conditions. You probably won’t always be so lucky to operate your cooling system in such perfect conditions, so it likely won’t always run at its stated SEER rating.
When shopping for a new air conditioner, you may have noticed that each unit has a SEER rating. This stand for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and is a measure of the amount of energy an AC unit uses compared to the amount of cooling it produces. In general, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit will be.
This means that over time, you’ll save money on your energy bill by choosing a unit with a high SEER rating. By lowering cooling system energy consumption each month, higher SEER AC units can save you money in the long run. So, when you’re comparing air conditioners, be sure to pay attention to the SEER rating to ensure you’re getting the most efficient model possible.
Air conditioners with high SEER ratings typically cost more than those with lower SEER ratings. In general, as SEER ratings increase, so does the price of a new air conditioner. However, the higher initial investment can be offset over time through increased energy savings.
When deciding which SEER rating is right for you, it’s important to consider both the upfront cost and the long-term savings. Ultimately, you’ll want to choose the air conditioner that will provide the best value for your money.
Currently, the minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for central air conditioning units in northern states is 13 SEER – 14 SEER in southern states. In 2023, these federal standards will increase, with the minimum SEER rating being 14 SEER in the north and 15 SEER in the south.
The new minimum SEER rating applies to newly manufactured air conditioners and heat pumps only, not existing units. The minimum SEER rating is the absolute lowest that companies are allowed to sell you, even if they offer lower.
When it comes to air conditioners, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. A SEER rating of 16 or more is considered high efficiency, and systems with a SEER rating of 26 are among the most efficient on the market.
High-efficiency air conditioners use a variety of features to help them use energy more efficiently. One key feature is a variable speed compressor. This type of compressor adjusts its speed to match the cooling needs of the home, which can result in significant energy savings. Another feature that helps high-efficiency air conditioners save energy is a two-stage blower. This type of system runs at a lower capacity most of the time, which uses less energy but can also ramp up to full capacity when needed. Additionally, high-efficiency air conditioners often have better insulation and higher quality filters than standard air conditioners, which helps to further increase their energy efficiency. By utilizing these features, high-efficiency air conditioners can provide homeowners with substantial energy savings.
Homeowners have different preferences when it comes to their air conditioners. Some desire a high-efficiency unit, while others prioritize affordability. The definition of a good SEER rating is unique to each homeowner and depends on personal preferences. If you desire a high-efficiency air conditioner, a good SEER rating will be 17 SEER or higher. If unit affordability is important, a good SEER rating of 14 SEER or 15 SEER may meet your standards.
Weigh initial and long-term costs and benefits of each system to determine the best SEER rating for you. Either way, know that a lower SEER rating means a less expensive upfront purchase, while a higher SEER rating often results in long-term savings on your utility bills. systems to find the best option for you and your home.
For most homeowners, a unit with a SEER between 15 and 18 is a good choice. It’s affordable, and it will still provide significant savings on your energy bills.
A SEER rating is an important consideration when purchasing a new air conditioner. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit will be. This can save you money on your utility bills in the long run. If you are in need of a new air conditioner, call Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to receive an estimate for installation. We can help you find the perfect unit for your home and budget.