Choosing an HVAC system for your home is not to be taken lightly. It is an investment that affects how comfortable you are in your home and will decide your utility rates for many years. The SEER rating system was created to set energy consumption standards and help consumers understand the efficiency of an air conditioner over a cooling season. The rating helps consumers compare cooling units to make better purchasing decisions. Let’s look at SEER ratings and how they can help you choose the best AC for your home.
What Is a SEER Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is calculated by the BTUs used to cool a home in a cooling season divided by the wattage hours for the same period. The higher the number, the less energy is needed to run an air conditioner. Think of it as the fuel economy rating of a car for your HVAC system. The higher the miles per gallon of a vehicle, the less you will spend on fuel. When you buy a new car, you look at this number and consider it when making your decision.
The SEER system was created to help consumers understand the energy needed to run an air conditioner. It also sets environmental standards for cooling systems and minimum requirements that manufacturers and dealers must abide by. When you shop for a new cooling unit, you will see a sticker or paper that includes the SEER rating of the unit on the compressor. This number is marked clearly to help you see it better and make better buying decisions.
Why SEER Ratings Matter
We use electricity to power nearly everything in our homes. The more electricity you use, the more stress there is on electric grids, and the more money you spend on your utility bills.
The U.S. government created the SEER system in 1992 to combat the impact on the electric grids and reduce the use of natural resources. The purpose of the law was to guarantee that we use less energy to cool our homes, help consumers understand how much energy they use, and make purchasing decisions based on this information.
With rising utility rates, it is more important than ever to ensure that consumers understand the amount of energy they use. Displaying the SEER rating on the compressor of each AC allows people to figure out at a glance how efficient the system will be and choose the most efficient unit for their needs.
Understanding SEER Rating Numbers
In 2005, the government set a minimum SEER rating of 13 to 15. In Frederick, MD, our minimum SEER rating for an HVAC system is 15. Any unit you wish to buy in this area will meet those minimum requirements, with most ACs qualifying for rebates and other incentives.
Today, AC systems carry a SEER rating of between 13 and 25, but most of them fall within the 14 to 20 range. A unit rated a 10 would require double the energy as one rated a 20 to do the same job and cost you twice as much. The higher you go with SEER numbers, the less money you will pay for energy bills.
Tax Rebates and Incentives Reduce Costs
One thing that could stand in the way of buying a more efficient unit is the price of it. More efficient units have technological advancements, but technology isn’t cheap. For example, you may find a $1,000 to $2,000 difference between a SEER-14 and a SEER-16 system. You could recover the difference in the first few years of operation. You will save significantly more in time, but the up-front costs could surpass your budget or require you to finance your HVAC system.
The government and some utility companies offer rebates and incentives for energy-saving systems to offset some of the costs of installing more efficient ones. You should investigate these before you buy a new air conditioner. The savings could help you afford a better unit than you expected.
Choose Your New Air Conditioner
Buying a new AC is a major purchase that doesn’t have to be complicated. SEER ratings are there to guide consumers and help them choose the best unit for their needs. These ratings will help ensure the cooling unit you purchase is energy efficient and won’t run up your utility bills.
At Weather Masters Corp., we offer residential and commercial services in Frederick, including heating, cooling, new system installation, routine maintenance, air quality testing, and more. We are happy to help you choose the best system for your home or business and offer financing options with approved credit for your convenience. Call Weather Masters Corp. to schedule your consultation or installation today!
