Getting the Facts About SEER Ratings

If you are researching air conditioning units near Orlando, it’s likely that you have heard of SEER ratings. This rating system is commonly misunderstood, but is important for homeowners who are concerned with energy efficiency. Luckily, there are systems and appliances that can help save your household on its monthly energy costs. Over the years, the savings can add up, so it’s best to make an informed decision.

SEER Ratings Explained

Standing for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, SEER ratings refer to an appliance’s operating performance, and are a part of a standardized system for measuring the efficiency of HVAC systems. SEER ratings are determined by taking several assumed factors, such as average outdoor temperature, thermostat settings, and the quality of a home’s insulation, and calculating how much energy would be required to maintain the desired indoor climate.

The Importance of SEER Ratings

The operating efficiency of your HVAC equipment has a large impact on the performance of your heating and cooling system. A paired system consists of an indoor unit that matches an outdoor condensing unit. SEER ratings are the result of testing these matched units for efficiency. The higher an HVAC system’s SEER rating, the more energy-efficient it is. You can think of SEER ratings as a method of measuring air conditioning units, similar to how a miles-per-gallon rating applies to your car.

Choosing the Right SEER Rating

It’s commonly recommended for homeowners to look for air conditioning systems with a minimum SEER rating of 14. Your instinct may be to look for something higher than this since that should save you more on energy costs, but other factors, such as how long you plan to own the home or to use the particular system can make this decision a bit more complicated. Luckily, an HVAC technician can help you evaluate your home and its efficiency needs to help you determine the right SEER rating for you.

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