When shopping for a new air conditioner or heat pump, you might hear the term “SEER rating” pop up. But what does it really mean? And why should you care?
What Is a SEER Rating?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER for short, is a method for gauging the efficiency of a heating and cooling system throughout the normal cooling season. Imagine it as the equivalent of your car’s miles per gallon (MPG). Just like a vehicle with a higher MPG uses less petrol, a higher SEER-rated system uses less energy to cool your house. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient it is.
How Many Different SEER Ratings Are There?
SEER ratings typically range from the mid-teens to the upper twenties. 14, 16, 18 and 20 are the most popular ratings. The minimum SEER rating that new units must have in many parts of the United States varies from region to region; however, it is often 14 or 15.
Remember that a greater number indicates better efficiency, but that it will cost more initially. Finding a happy medium is key.
Lower Energy Bills
SEER ratings are such a big deal because they help homeowners save lots of money. Imagine spending thousands of dollars on an air conditioner only to realize it will cost thousands upon thousands of dollars each year to cool your home. You can avoid this by choosing a unit with a higher SEER rating. It will use less energy to cool the house, which translates into cheaper cooling costs.
Smaller Carbon Footprint
A unit that uses less energy does much more than help your wallet. Since your home will have a reduced electrical load, this means less pollution from power plants. As a result, your home’s smaller carbon footprint will help the planet in multiple ways. It will conserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and much more.
Better Comfort Control
Smart features, like variable-speed fans or compressors, are standard on many high-SEER systems. This means they make gradual adjustments rather than just turning on and off. The result is a more comfortable home with a more uniform temperature and fewer hot and cold spots.
Quieter Operation
High-efficiency HVAC systems tend to be much quieter than ones with lower ratings. This is mainly because they run at lower speeds, meaning they don’t constantly start and stop with a loud hum. The quieter operation can make a big difference for units placed near bedrooms.
Less Cycling
Units with lower SEER ratings often cycle on and off every few minutes. This wears out the internal components of the system very quickly. You might have to deal with frequent repairs or inconvenient breakdowns a lot. With a higher-rated unit, you’ll enjoy less cycling. The parts won’t wear out as fast and the equipment will last longer.
Rebates and Incentives
There are numerous rebates and incentives available for HVAC systems with high SEER ratings. These financial benefits aim to encourage homeowners to make their homes more eco-friendly. They can help offset the higher upfront cost of a better SEER-rated setup. Check with your utility company and talk to an HVAC pro to find rebates and incentives you might qualify for.
Higher Home Value
Another reason SEER ratings are so important is because they impact your home’s value. If you ever plan to sell your home, you’ll get a higher selling price if it has a high-rated heating and cooling configuration. This is because buyers really like the idea of having an HVAC unit with high efficiency. They highly prefer this form of energy-conscious investment for lower monthly costs.
Improved Air Quality
Your heating and cooling setup is all the more important if you or someone in the home has allergies or asthma. Choosing a high-rated unit with advanced filtration and humidity control is a great way to remove more dust, pollen and other allergens. A high-rated unit can also be of benefit if you have pets in the home. With the advanced filtration, there will be less pet hair and dander. The cleaner air means a healthier home and fewer allergy and asthma symptoms.
SoBellas Home Services has many years of experience helping homeowners choose HVAC systems with high SEER ratings. We offer installations, repairs and maintenance for HVAC systems of all types.
Don’t get stuck with an HVAC that costs you more money than it should. Call SoBellas Home Services now to access reliable HVAC services in Las Cruces, NM.
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