Whether you’re in the market for a new AC unit or just curious about the specifics behind one, you’re likely to stumble across something called a SEER rating. You’ll notice this rating, which is indicated by a number on a bright yellow sticker somewhere on the unit, but you might not be too sure of what it means.
It’s a number, sure, but there are lots of numbers on complicated pieces of machinery like AC units. As it turns out, a SEER rating is critical to understand when shopping for a new unit – and knowing the distinctions between ratings can make a big difference at home.
So strap in and get ready for a crash course on SEER ratings from the professionals at Freedom Air and Heat! Our AC experts have the know-how and experience to be your one-stop shop for all your AC needs in Cocoa.
Let’s Break It Down
First things first – what is a SEER rating? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it’s a way to measure how efficient a particular AC unit will be in cooling your home. The rating is used to determine how well a unit can disperse cooling output based on the amount of electricity that it takes in over an average cooling season.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient a unit will be. One with a rating of 13, for instance, will be less effective at cooling your home than a unit with a SEER rating of 21.
Higher Equals Better?
Now that you know what that little number on the yellow sticker means, you’re probably wondering which one you should get. After all, since a higher SEER rating means lower energy bills, then you should just make a beeline for the highest rating possible, right?
Well, maybe. Since the AC unit with higher SEER ratings are more efficient, they’re going to cost significantly more than their counterparts with lower ratings. That’s something you’ll have to weigh when making the choice.
What’s Best for Me?
For a while, AC units didn’t have a minimum SEER rating to meet to be released on the market. That changed in 2006, when the Department of Energy mandated that every unit had to have a SEER rating of at least 13. That’s still the case, but some states actually have a minimum required rating of 14, Florida included.
The range of SEER ratings goes all the way up to the low-to-mid 20s, but odds are you’re not going to need one with that high of a rating. Because a high SEER rating means you’re going to pay significantly more on the front end, it’s more than likely that you’re not going to make that money back in savings.
Instead, you’re better off with a SEER rating in the mid-teens.
Knowing the ins and outs of SEER ratings will make you a more informed customer whenever the time comes for a new AC unit. You won’t be fooled by a greedy salesman who insists that a unit with a rating of 23 will “pay for itself,” and you’ll know a good deal when you see it.
Whether you’re considering a new unit or just want to learn how to maximize the one you already have, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Freedom Air and Heat. From AC units to electrical problems, our service in Cocoa is unmatched – give us a call at 321-631-6886 to find out why!
