SEER Rating

Did your A/C unit live it’s final summer this year? Is it time to begin researching a new HVAC system to be installed by the time next summer rolls around? Before you begin the search for a new system for your home, know specifically what qualities you want. One quality to consider is the system’s SEER Rating.

A SEER Rating stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. What that means is that a SEER rating will tell you how energy efficient a new HVAC system will be, specifically during the cooling season. It is a measure of the maximum efficiency of a system, similar to the gas mileage of a car. The efficiency of a system is most important during the summer months since cooling a home can be more costly than heating one. This is important to those who would like to reduce their energy costs and for those who would like to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible.  

What is a good rating?

Simply put, the higher the rating, the more energy efficient a system will be. Most air conditioners will have a rating between 13 and 21. A level 21 rating is the highest efficiency available. It is good to remember that the efficiency of a system may be affected by the size of your home, so speaking with a technician and getting their input is best when choosing a new system. There is no average SEER rating, as each home and region require different levels of efficiency and size specifications.

Why is the SEER Rating So Important?

The U.S. Department of Energy has set minimum SEER requirements for all new systems for different regions of the country. Here in the south, our minimum rating for a system is at 14. But remember, the more energy efficient a system is, the more it can lower your energy costs. Also, these systems often qualify for tax credits and manufacturer rebates, so be sure to check into those when you upgrade.

Before deciding on a new unit, it is always best to have a professional HVAC technician out to your home to help you with SEER ratings, the proper size system, and any other questions you may have about the best unit for your home. To inquire about the systems Middleton offers and their SEER ratings, contact us online or by phone at 1-800-404-0371.