What That SEER Number on the Air Conditioner Means for Your Home Comfort

May 22, 2014 - Published by Scott's Air

HVAC, EPA, MERV, HEPA, AFUE… sometimes it seems like home comfort is just acronym soup. But the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, is a good one to know, especially in sunny central Florida. This rating on an air conditioner can mean the difference between a muggy, energy-efficient home and one that stays cool at a lower cost all summer long.

There are two common ratings—SEER and EER—that you might find on your air conditioner. They’ll both give you an idea of how the unit will perform, but SEER is more common. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) is standardized to show you how well the unit operates at a specific temperature, like 95 degrees. The seasonal ratio of the other rating system (SEER) tells you how well the system will work all season long—on the days that do reach the mid 90s and the days that don’t.

The higher, the better when it comes to this rating system. In January 2006, new standards went into effect that meant that all new home A/C units manufactured had to have ratings of 13 or higher. And next year, we’ll be required to install only 14 SEER and higher. Why all the focus on higher SEER equipment? Let’s look at an example… A homeowner with a 10 SEER unit could see up to a 30 percent drop in energy usage by upgrading the air conditioner. A/C units that rank 13 SEER and above may carry the Energy Star label, which is a great place to start, but there are even higher options as far as home efficiency goes. Even greater ratings, such as a 16 SEER, mean even bigger savings for your home.

If you want to learn more about SEER ratings and how they can help make your home as energy-efficient as can be, don’t hesitate to call us at Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning! We’re happy to hear from you, and to answer any HVAC questions you might have.

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Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!