You’ve probably noticed the SEER rating displayed on your AC. But what does this number really mean for your Garner, North Carolina, home’s energy consumption? Find out what SEER is and learn what this efficiency rating says about your energy usage.
What Is SEER?
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and it reflects your air conditioner’s efficiency throughout the cooling season. To calculate an AC’s SEER rating, manufacturers divide the energy that the model uses throughout the cooling season by the total cooling output during the same time period. The result is a two-digit number, usually between 13 and 22.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Better?
For energy-conscious homeowners, a higher SEER rating is almost always better, as this type of system can help you keep your energy usage as low as possible. After all, a higher SEER rating indicates greater efficiency for your cooling system.
Cooling systems that are more than a decade old might have an 8 or 10 SEER rating, but today, the lowest SEER rating you’ll see on a new air conditioner is 13. However, 15 SEER is the lowest rating that can receive Energy Star certification.
Should I Upgrade to a Better SEER Rating?
If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, upgrading to a new system can have a substantial effect on both cooling performance and efficiency. When you want to invest in the most advanced and efficient cooling system for your home, the Cape Fear Air Conditioning team typically recommends the Trane XV20i TruComfort.
In addition to its impressive 22 SEER rating, this variable-speed air conditioner has innovative features that boost both efficiency and comfort. The variable-speed capabilities keep your home within a half degree of your thermostat setting at all times, and compatibility with ComfortLink technology keeps your system calibrated for optimal efficiency.
Want to make sure your new air conditioner has the best possible SEER rating for your home? Contact your local cooling experts at Cape Fear Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical Company, Inc. for professional consultations, air conditioner design, and installation at 919-246-5801.
Image provided by Shutterstock
