The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) can help you understand how efficient your HVAC system is. Along with the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), it’s one of the most common and important ratings that can predict your system’s performance.
Because it represents the heating or cooling power of your unit divided by the amount of energy consumed, a higher rating represents a more efficient unit. If you’re comparing SEER ratings before upgrading your system, make sure to speak with your local HVAC specialist to learn more about SEER.
Federal law sets minimum SEER ratings for new equipment installed in the U.S. For central air conditioners and heat pumps, the minimum SEER rating is 13, but when SEER was introduced, the average SEER rating was 6. This means that if you have an older HVAC system, it may be less efficient than any system currently on the market. The highest-efficiency models available today can reach a rating of 23, offering unparalleled energy savings.
In general, if you’re upgrading your heating system, you should aim for no lower than a SEER 16 system. Your HVAC specialist can talk you through the various options available, and find a system that fits your budget and household. High-efficiency units often require a larger up-front investment, but can pay for themselves in savings over time. Your local specialists may also be able to show you an energy cost calculator to let you simulate your costs over a number of years.
If you need help comparing SEER HVAC systems, or you want to learn more about HVAC system efficiency, contact Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. today. We’re proud to help out neighbors in the Dayton area make the right HVAC decisions.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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