You’ll come across a SEER rating when shopping for a new air conditioner. This number significantly affects how much energy your system uses and how much you’ll pay to cool your home. Finding the right balance between cost and performance is key. Chancey Heating & Cooling is here to help you understand SEER ratings (actually SEER2 since Jan. 1, 2023) so you can make the best decision for your home and budget.
What is a SEER Rating and Why Does It Matter?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures how efficiently an AC unit cools your home. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy your system needs to keep things comfortable. SEER ratings matter because they determine how much you’ll spend on cooling over time. A lower-rated system might seem like a bargain initially, but it can drive up your bills in the long run. On the other hand, a high-SEER unit runs more efficiently, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the perfect fit for every home. Finding the right balance between cost and efficiency is key to making a wise investment. Several factors, like climate, home size, and how often you run your air conditioner, can all influence what SEER rating makes the most sense for you.
How SEER Ratings Are Calculated
SEER ratings are based on a simple formula: the amount of cooling a unit provides divided by the energy it uses over an entire cooling season. This takes into account different temperatures and conditions rather than just a single test in a controlled environment. Consider measuring how an AC performs across various temperatures, from mild spring days to peak summer heat.
In the United States, new air conditioners in the South must have a SEER2 rating of at least 15. Some high-efficiency models go up to 20, 22, or even higher, meaning they use significantly less energy to produce the same cooling power.
Does a Higher SEER Rating Always Mean a Better AC?
A high SEER rating sounds good, but it’s not always the best option for every home. While a 16, 18, or even 20 SEER unit is excellent, it might not be necessary if you don’t run your AC often.
For example, if you live in a mild climate where summers aren’t too brutal, a 15 or 16 SEER2 air conditioner could be perfectly fine. But if you’re in an area where the AC runs continuously for months, a higher SEER2 rating could save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Another thing to consider is the AC installation cost. Higher SEER units tend to have a more significant up-front price tag, and while they save on energy bills, it might take years before those savings balance out the initial price tag. That’s why it’s important to think about how long you plan to stay in your home and how much you use your AC before deciding which appliance to buy.
SEER Ratings and Energy Bills
People check SEER ratings because a higher rating means lower energy use — and that can add up to real savings on your electric bill.
For example, let’s say you have a 14 SEER unit, and you upgrade to a 20 SEER unit. That’s about 30% more efficient, meaning your energy use could drop by almost a third. If your summer cooling costs are normally $200 per month, that could mean a savings of around $60 a month or more than $700 a year.
Your HVAC system’s efficiency isn’t just about the unit itself. Factors like insulation, ductwork, and thermostat settings make a difference. If your home isn’t properly insulated, heat can seep in during the summer and escape in the winter, forcing your system to work harder. Leaky or poorly designed ductwork can waste cooled or heated air before it reaches your room. Even something as simple as thermostat placement can impact performance. Without addressing these issues, even the most efficient AC unit won’t save you as much money as it should.
Call Us Today
Whether you’re upgrading your AC or trying to understand your current system better, knowing what SEER means and why it matters can help you save money and stay comfortable. If you need expert advice on energy-efficient cooling in Douglas, GA and the surrounding area, contact the air conditioning service pros at Chancey Heating & Cooling today.
