What Are SEER Ratings?

Are you in the process of buying a new central cooling or heating system? If you are, you are likely to hear a lot about SEER and EER ratings. We understand that picking an HVAC system for your home is not as simple as it sounds. It takes time, and attention-to-detail, to choose the best HVAC system for your home. This is no small decision, after all. Your HVAC system is going to be in your home for the next 10-15 years. No doubt, you have to know what your options are before purchasing and installing your new unit. 

Besides choosing the right brand, type, and size, you also have to ensure you get one that is as energy-efficient as possible. No one wants to pay more for their utility bills. That is where the SEER and EER ratings come in. If you are feeling more overwhelmed than when you started reading this, we are here to explain everything so you can have peace of mind when choosing your next HVAC system. 

Fix-it 24/7 Heating & Air is a reliable HVAC company in Charleston that is eager to provide the correct information and high-quality services. We want to improve the comfort of your home. 

SEER vs EER Ratings 

SEER

SEER is an abbreviation for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Modern air conditioners have a SEER rating between 13 and 22, with 13 being the least efficient. It is a way to measure the cooling output compared to the power input while considering the typical cooling season. This is similar to the miles per gallon ratio that you use to determine the fuel efficiency of a car. 

A SEER rating is a maximum efficiency ratio, which means that the energy efficiency is not constant, but dependent on environmental conditions. For instance, your vehicle may use more fuel to go up a 5-mile incline than it would on a flat 5-mile road. While the result was 5 miles from your starting point, more fuel was needed to get your vehicle up the hill. 

EER

EER is the abbreviation for Energy Efficiency Ratio. The EER Rating is a standard way to measure the efficiency of an air conditioner. This is simply the cooling output to power input ratio, without consideration of environmental factors. 

The ratings differ compared to the SEER ratings. The national standard requires that all AC units have an EER rating of between 8 and 29. However, it is possible to have an AC unit with a higher rating, such as ENERGY STAR AC units. AC companies strive to produce air conditioners with higher EER and SEER ratings. 

Is an AC Unit with a Higher SEER Rating Worth It?

While AC units with a higher SEER rating are pricier to purchase, they will definitely save you money in the long run. We understand that you have a budget for your AC installation, but it is worth it to install a unit with a higher SEER rating. 

For one thing, it can be hard to resist lower monthly electricity bills. The higher your SEER rating, the more money you will save each month. If this is something that appeals to you, invest in an AC unit with a high SEER rating. 

For another thing, if you are concerned about the effect your AC unit has on the environment, it is best to install an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating. By paying a little more for your AC installation, you can reduce your carbon footprint. 

We want you and your family to enjoy the best AC unit your budget will allow. For that reason, we offer to finance energy-efficient AC installations for qualifying applicants. Install the best AC unit now and pay later. Contact us today to see if you are a qualifying applicant. 

Conditions That May Decrease Energy Efficiency

You may want to install an AC unit with the highest SEER rating to maximize your energy efficiency. While this will help you keep the electricity bills down, other aspects affect your energy efficiency. For example, if you have a unit with a SEER rating of 21, that is the maximum efficiency that it can offer. However, it can be lower if there are other issues. Here are a few other factors to keep in mind when trying to maintain your home’s efficiency:

Having an AC unit with a high SEER rating won’t benefit you much if you have an incorrectly sized system. An AC unit that is too big or too small will cause your energy usage to increase. That is why it is important to have a professional HVAC technician help you find the right-sized unit. They can save thousands of dollars that would be wasted if you get the wrong one. They will use the square footage of your home and other aspects to find an AC unit that fits your home perfectly.

Many homeowners don’t know that the condition of their insulation can affect their energy efficiency. When your home is not insulated properly, your AC unit will work harder to reach the desired temperature, using more electricity. Be sure to have your home’s insulation checked out before installing your next AC unit.

Trustworthy HVAC Company in Charleston

As you can see, installing an AC unit is a bit more complex than it may seem. However, you can double your chances of finding the right one by seeking expert advice from our HVAC technicians. Fix-it 24/7 has a team of qualified professionals that will ensure that you get the perfect AC unit for your budget and cooling needs. We have years of experience with the different brands on the market, so we can lend our advice on the best one for you. 

Fix-it 24/7 serves a wide range of areas such as Charleston, and neighboring communities like Isle of Palms, Wando, and Sullivans Island, SC. We bring high-quality service to you!

For more information on AC installations, contact us at (843) 829-4696 or online, and we will send a technician to your home.