What is a SEER Rating?
Shopping for a new air conditioner or heat pump can be overwhelming. From energy ratings to selecting the right size for your home, there is no shortage of things to consider.
Efficiency is one of the most important features in an air conditioner. An efficient air conditioner can cool your home in the Seattle area. It can increase your comfort and indoor air quality.
Heat pumps and air conditioners are given a SEER rating to measure their output. This rating is standard throughout the HVAC industry. The SEER rating is just one of a few types of ratings that you will find on an HVAC system’s sticker.
What is the SEER Rating?
SEER is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rating is calculated using a simple formula. The air conditioner’s cooling output in season is divided by the electric energy output.
Typically, SEER ratings range from 13 to 26. Energy Star certified air conditioners are required to have a minimum SEER rating of 14.5.
An air conditioner system with a high SEER rating requires less energy than a system with a low rating. This is an important factor for you to remember while you are shopping for a new air conditioner.
Older air conditioners can have an 8 or 9 SEER rating. As you can tell from the rating, older systems use a lot of energy. That’s just one of the reasons to replace your older HVAC system as soon as possible.
If you are unsure about your system’s SEER rating, you should have your unit checked for efficiency. Operating an HVAC system with a low SEER rating leads to higher energy bills. At Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning, we can help you determine if your air conditioner is efficient.
Factors That Determine HVAC Efficiency
A SEER rating is important. However, it is just one factor that you should consider when buying a new air conditioner or heat pump. Other factors include size, HVAC company, cost, and thermostat. Let’s explore these factors in greater detail.
When it comes to installing a new heater or replacing an air conditioner, our company doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. We assess your home to determine a size that best fits your home. A system that’s too large or small for your home can affect its efficiency.
Always hire a professional heating and air conditioner technician to install your new system. Our air conditioning and heating team at Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning have years of experience and training. We are committed to performing quality services for every customer.
Contact Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning to speak to a professional
For many customers, the sticker price is a major concern when it comes to buying a new heater or air conditioner. While it’s true that you should pay attention to the cost, it is not the only thing to consider.
Think about the long-term costs of operating the system. Buying a cheaper system saves money in upfront costs. If the system constantly breaks down or uses too much energy, will you really save money?
That’s one of the reasons the SEER rating is essential. In terms of energy efficiency, this measurement system lets you know what to expect from your HVAC system.
It’s a good idea to upgrade your thermostat when you purchase a new HVAC system. Newer thermostats offer more features than older ones.
For instance, a programmable thermostat gives you the ability to program your HVAC system to lower temperatures throughout the day. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you won’t have to worry about using more energy than your home requires.
Benefits of an Efficient SEER Rating
You already know that an HVAC system with a high SEER rating minimizes its energy use. But did you know that there are other benefits of a good SEER rating?
Here are a few that you should know.
- Higher SEER ratings mean increased comfort in your home. If you live in a warmer region, your HVAC’s SEER rating is especially important.
- HVAC systems with higher SEER ratings are usually equipped with a variable speed blower and a variable speed compressor. These components keep your air conditioner operating for longer periods of time in a cycle.
- Many systems with lower SEER ratings have single blowers and compressors. They turn off frequently. This results in high humidity in the home and uneven cooling.
- Installing a new HVAC system with a higher SEER rating reduces energy consumption. You will notice that your energy bills are lower when you have an efficient system.
- An energy-efficient system has a minimal impact on the environment. When you use lower amounts of electricity, it decreases the amount of fossil fuels that are burned. It’s a good feeling to know that you’re doing your part to protect the environment.
- It isn’t uncommon for the U.S. government and manufacturers to offer rebates and incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. Our technicians can tell you about any rebates that are available.
Common Misconceptions About SEER Ratings
There is a lot of information that’s being published about SEER ratings. While some of the information is true, there are myths about SEER ratings that you should know. This knowledge will help you choose the best unit with the right SEER rating available for your home.
Contrary to popular belief, an HVAC system will not maintain its initial SEER rating. As a result of continuous usage, your HVAC system will become less efficient each year.
SEER ratings don’t tell you anything about the quality of the HVAC system. Just because a system has a high SEER rating doesn’t mean it’s the best unit for your home.
Some customers think a highly rated HVAC system doesn’t require regular maintenance. That’s simply not true. Regardless of the brand or SEER rating, an HVAC system benefits from annual maintenance services.
Our maintenance services at Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning include inspecting and replacing worn-out parts. While we’re inspecting your system, we can diagnose and repair problems that aren’t obvious to you. This part of our offered services, aside from everything else, is worth the extra effort required, as it will save you the most discomfort and money.
You don’t have to buy an HVAC system with the highest rating to get a good one. In fact, a system with a lower SEER rating can be suitable for your home. The important things to consider are the climate in your area and the home’s square footage.
When it comes to SEER ratings, it is important to separate the facts from the myths. This can help you make an informed decision about your new HVAC system.
Heating and Cooling Services
If you would like to learn more about SEER ratings, Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning is available for immediate assistance. Our trained heating and cooling team can answer your questions and consult with you about heating and cooling services.
We perform quality HVAC services that you can trust in the Seattle area. Our mission is to provide our customers with exceptional customer service.
Services at Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning include air conditioner and heating repair, maintenance and replacements. In addition, our technicians perform services for water heaters and electrical units.
Looking for a team of trained technicians that you can rely on? Call Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning in the Seattle area to schedule a service appointment.
Contact Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning today!
