If you need to select a new air conditioning unit for your home in Fort Mill, SC or the surrounding area, you’ll want to take efficiency into consideration. Not all heating and cooling equipment is created equal. Some will be more expensive to run than others. While most homeowners consider the up-front investment in a new air conditioner, they should also think about what it will cost them over the course of the next 10 to 15 years. If you’re not familiar with SEER ratings, it’s important to educate yourself on this system and how it relates to a new AC unit.
What Is SEER?
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This is a rating system that helps evaluate how efficient certain HVAC equipment is, how this equipment can impact your monthly utility bills, how the environment is impacted by its use, and more. SEER ratings can be a bit confusing to some, but it’s really a very straightforward system once you understand it, and it’s vitally important in choosing your new cooling system.
SEER ratings are determined by calculating the efficiency of an air conditioner (or heat pump) over the course of an entire cooling season. The total cooling output ratio is expressed using British thermal units (BTUs), and electrical energy input measured in watt-hours. The higher a SEER rating, the more cooling per unit of energy that a piece of equipment delivers.
Optimal SEER Ratings
This explanation may leave you wondering what a good SEER rating is. A very basic cooling system is likely to have a SEER rating that is between 13 and 16. This unit meets minimum standards and is probably an affordable option both up-front and long-term.
If you’re looking at an air conditioning unit that is between 17 and 20 SEER, you’ll reap the benefits of more energy savings over its life span.
Lastly, air conditioning equipment that has a SEER rating of 21 or higher will offer exceptional savings on your energy bills. This equipment is likely to be the best choice for areas that experience extremely hot weather throughout the year. Of course, it will cost more.
While it may seem beneficial to invest in the highest SEER-rated air conditioner that you can find, this isn’t the case. There are other considerations as well, such as the size of your home, how often you run your air conditioner, and where you live.
The newly updated SEER2 rating system came out in 2023. There are stricter protocols that equipment must adhere to as part of this system. The original SEER rating system was created many years ago in 1992.
What Changes SEER Ratings?
The SEER system has needed to be adjusted over the years because of advancements in technology. We have seen more efficient equipment come onto the market, such as variable speed compressors. When you invest in an air conditioner with a high SEER rating, this can decrease the amount of time that your unit needs to run to keep your home cool. Lower-efficiency models will run more and cost you more money.
It’s also important to note that higher SEER equipment protects the environment. A 16 SEER air conditioner can reduce CO2 emissions by 1.2 tons more than a 13 SEER unit.
Protecting Equipment Longevity
Not only will choosing a high SEER system save you money on your monthly utility bills, but it can save you money in the long run as well. If your cooling equipment is running frequently in order to keep up with your temperature demands, this can place strain on your system. Over time, this can result in more frequent repair needs. You may need to replace your air conditioner more often when you are using a low SEER model that is running more frequently. These costs add up over time.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning unit and would like help in choosing a model with an ideal SEER rating, our team at Arce Heating & AC would love to assist. We can aid you in choosing a unit that is adequate for your home size and your family’s cooling needs. We can then handle the installation of this equipment, ensuring that all work is done according to local code. You can also rely on us for all your AC maintenance and repair down the road. Reach out to our knowledgeable staff here at Arce Heating & AC by calling today to schedule a consultation.
