HVAC SEER Ratings
When you have a more efficient air conditioner, you not only save money on costs but can also cool your home in a better manner since you will be saving fuel. SEER ratings tend to show whether an HVAC system is efficient or not, which is why it is one of the most important factors to consider when you are on the lookout for a new air conditioner.
However, the answer to whether a higher SEER rating is worth it is a complex one. This is because a lot depends on it. In this guide, we will walk you through the concept of SEER rating so you have the answer to the question – what is a good SEER rating.
What is SEER Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is calculated by the total cooling output of an air conditioner over a particular cooling season, divided by the total number of energy consumed in Watt-Hours. This shows the maximum rate of efficiency of your air conditioner, and it might decrease depending on other conditions.
A SEER rating is not the most significant and accurate measure of efficiency because it is based on a standard test that assumes an outdoor temperature of 82 degrees and humidity of 50%. This makes the rating inefficient because temperature and humidity are different for every region. The efficiency of an air conditioner also varies based on the size of your home, ductwork, and more.
In other words, the SEER rating won’t tell you the whole story about an air conditioner.
What is a Good SEER Rating?
On that note, a SEER rating can still help provide insight into the efficiency of air conditioners, making it an important factor to consider. The minimum SEER standard for an air conditioner is now 13, but most air conditioners range from 13 to 21. Previously, such as older machines made in the 80s and 90s have a SEER rating of below 13, typically ranging between 8 and 10. This makes them completely inefficient.
There is no one SEER rating that is the best, but anything above 13 is great. In southern states though, the better rating is 14 because their warmer seasons last for longer.
Even a SEER of 16 is good, and above that, such as 18 to 20 is excellent as well. If you are looking for an air conditioner that you can use for ten years, it’s best if you get one with a higher SEER rating. Only in this case will it save you costs and be efficient.
The Bottom Line
If you have more questions about what the best SEER rating is or if you are looking for the best energy-efficient air conditioner or HVAC system, we recommend you get in touch with Air Repair. They can provide services ranging from a tune-up, repair, and energy-efficient installs. Visit their website or call them for an estimate for an air repair or tune-up service!
