SEER Ratings: How Air Conditioning and Mother Earth Make Nice

If you’re not familiar with the newer A/C systems, you might be surprised to learn that they’ve

become rather energy efficient.

This efficiency has been objectified in the new SEER system.

Here’s what you need to know about it.

 

“SEER stands for

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

It’s like an “efficiency-o-meter” and

it tells you how efficient your

air conditioning system is.”

 

SEER 

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

It’s like an “efficiency-o-meter” and it tells you how efficient your air conditioning system is.

The higher the number, the more efficient it is.

As of 2006, all A/C systems sold have a minimum rating of 13.

Some manufacturers have been able to bump this up as high as 23, but as you can imagine, that’s

not the norm.

“The SEER rating system

is a bit like the efficiency

ratings for automobiles.”

 

If you’re installing a unit that’s at least a SEER 16, you should be fine if you live in an area where it’s usually

warm year-round or for a good part of the year.

So, for example, a person living in South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida would save between $1,500 and $2,000

over the life of their A/C system, provided that system lasts for 12 years at a cost of roughly $0.1113 per kWh.

SEER Ratings: How Air Conditioning and Mother Earth Make Nice

What The Rating Means

The rating system is a bit like the efficiency ratings for automobiles.

People get all jazzed up about a SEER 18, but all this means is that the unit is rated up to 18.

If your system is rated up to SEER 18, you could get an effective rating of “0” at your installation

location, or you could get 18.

You could also limp along at “10,” and not see any difference in your energy bill compared to your

old system.

What you really want is a minimum SEER rating, which for the most part doesn’t exist.

The next best thing for you then is to compare multiple units to get an idea of how the unit

might perform relative to other units.

SEER Ratings: How Air Conditioning and Mother Earth Make Nice

This becomes very difficult to do because the best way to assess the efficiency of a unit is to see it in action.

But, if you don’t know anyone with the unit you’re interested in installed, then you’re guessing about the

quality of the unit.

Manufacturers always publish numbers that paint them in a good light – go with a brand you trust

or buy based on a personal referral, if possible.

The next best thing is to do business with a dealer you trust.

SEER Ratings: How Air Conditioning and Mother Earth Make Nice

Installing New Systems

Always have a professional dealer install your new system.

That should be a no-brainer, but so many people get consumed with the idea of saving money

that they get a head full of steam and just try to install the thing themselves – bad idea.

These HVAC contractors are pros that have been doing this kind of work for years.

They’re going to be better than you at installing HVAC systems, and maintaining those systems.

 

“Compare multiple units to get

an idea of how the unit might 

perform relative to other units

and do business with 

professional installers 

that you trust.”

 

 

Finally, shop around for installers if you don’t know or trust anyone.

It’s one of the more difficult things you’ll have to do as a homeowner or businessperson, but

heating and cooling are one of the most important and expensive utilities – and yet something

you absolutely need to survive.

About the author:
Kevin A. Quillen is a real estate broker. He likes to write about home improvement. His articles can be

found mainly on real estate and homeowner sites.

 

Have your purchased efficient air conditioners for your home?

What criteria did you use to make your choices?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.