When it comes time to buy a new air conditioner, you’ll likely have a lot of questions. Aside from cost, there are all sorts of metrics you can use to compare new AC units — like noise level, estimated energy savings, and SEER rating. But what is a SEER rating anyway?
Our customers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania often ask us questions like “What is a good SEER rating?” and “What SEER rating should I buy?” Here is what you need to know about SEER, and how to use it to select the right air conditioner for your home.
SEER Measures Cooling Efficiency
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a number between 10 and 18 (or sometimes even higher) that represents an air conditioner’s cooling power (in BTUs), divided by the amount of electricity it uses (in watts). In other words, SEER represents an air conditioner’s maximum cooling efficiency.
Confused yet? Don’t worry. The important thing to remember is that generally, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioner is. If you’re shopping for an energy efficient air conditioner (and you should be if you want to save money in the long run!) then you should check the SEER rating of every AC unit you’re considering.
All ENERGY STAR® rated air conditioners have a SEER rating of at least 15 SEER. You’ll find many air conditioners on the market with SEER ratings of 17 SEER up to 22 SEER.
There's More to AC Energy Efficiency Than SEER
While it’s true that you can generally expect an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating to save you more money on energy costs, it’s not the only thing you should consider when upgrading your air conditioner. Improper installation can reduce an air conditioner’s efficiency by up to 30%, according to ENERGY STAR. So, if you buy an ultra efficient air conditioner, only to have it installed poorly, you can say goodbye to those estimated energy savings!
As you shop for a new air conditioner, be sure to work with an air conditioning expert you can trust to provide a top quality installation.
Get an AC with a Good SEER Installed by Princeton Air
Your heating and cooling system tends to use more energy than anything else in your home; so if it’s time to replace your air conditioner, it’s important to choose one that will help you save energy for years to come. Princeton Air is proud to help homeowners in Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Bucks Counties upgrade their air conditioners. We’ll take the time to answer your questions, show you the best options for your home, and install your new AC unit with the utmost attention to detail.
