You may have heard about a SEER rating for your AC, but what does it mean? Here’s what SEER is, what a good SEER rating is, and why it’s important for you to know.
What is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating measures the cooling your AC does over a cooling season by the energy it uses – so the average calculation over a cooling season. Think of the SEER as your AC’s maximum potential and efficiency.
What is a good SEER rating?
A good SEER rating is typically anything over 13, but it also depends on the age of your unit and how you are using it over time. You may hear that a higher SEER rating is better, but that is not necessarily the case for everyone. A higher SEER rating does provide better efficiency in certain temperatures and conditions, but this largely depends on the size of your home, how often you are home and your ductwork. That being said, it is generally a good rule of thumb to have a higher SEER rating.
There are requirements for the minimum SEER rating based on your geographical location. Both the southwest and southeast regions of the US require a minimum SEER rating of 14, while the north is 13. In California specifically, a SEER rating of 14 is the minimum requirement.
If you have an older home, upgrading your system to a higher SEER will save you both money and energy in the longer term.
Benefits of a high SEER rating
If you are considering having an air conditioner installation soon, then getting a higher SEER rating system has its benefits. Higher SEER units often come with two-stage compressors and a variable speed blower – both great for increased comfort and cooling in your home during the hot, summer months.
Air conditioners with low SEER ratings typically use only one-stage compressors and are a lot less efficient at cooling your home. It’s more likely to cause uneven cooling throughout different rooms with only one compressor on board – while also increasing your humidity levels.
If you are due for an AC replacement, call Lee’s Air today to speak to a professional about what SEER rating is best for you and your needs.
