When shopping for a new air conditioning system in Titus, AL, you’ll encounter different brands with a wide array of SEER numbers. SEER is the acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This article provides detailed information about air conditioner SEER ratings.
How Do You Calculate Air Conditioner SEER Ratings?
Divide the AC system’s total cooling output by the energy consumed throughout a particular season. The numbers are a glimpse of how efficient the air conditioner is because they don’t always work at full capacity during and even after testing. The SEER rating is higher if the air conditioner consumes less energy and produces optimal cooling.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is at minimizing energy consumption. You can easily compare different brands of AC systems using the standardized SEER rating system. You don’t have to go through the manufacturer’s claims in fine print to compare other AC units.
By checking the SEER ratings, you can choose the AC unit that is best for you and the needs of your home in Titus, Alabama. SEER is a critical variable that determines your AC unit’s efficiency before you buy and install it in your home.
What’s a Good SEER Rating?
As of 2013, all central AC systems needed a minimum SEER of 13. While shopping for an AC system, you will realize that the SEER ratings range from 13 to 25. The following is a breakdown of SEER rating and their efficiency levels:
SEER: 13 to 15: The AC units within this SEER range have the lowest acquisition cost but are the least efficient. They work perfectly to cool your home during the summer but run on higher energy levels and are always at full capacity. They are louder than AC units with a higher SEER rating.
SEER: 16 to 19: These AC units are more efficient than the basic ones and cost a little more to acquire but less to operate. They are generally quieter than before because they don’t need to run at full capacity to cool your house.
SEER: 20 to 25: The AC units within this range have the highest efficiency levels on the market, and some automatically adjust to maintain optimal temperature. They primarily operate within the 25% range of their full capacity and though the upfront cost is high, you will have a highly efficient AC unit. These units save you money on utility bills and are generally quiet while running, so you can enjoy the peace and comfort in your home.
Why Does It Matter When Buying a New AC System?
Most homeowners think about the upfront cost of the AC system and fail to consider the long-term costs. You will experience efficiency problems, high operational costs and frequent wear and repairs if left unconsidered. Choosing a relatively efficient AC system can keep your monthly utility costs low.
The only way to determine the efficiency level of an AC system while shopping is through the SEER ratings. The initial investment for an efficient AC system is high, but considering the long-term costs, it’s more advisable to go for it. The decision boils down to your budget and willingness to consider the long-term operational cost.
Furthermore, the SEER rating enables you to quickly assess your annual operating costs. Using the SEER rating, you can tell the average watts of energy your system will consume. Multiply the figure by the average number of hours you run the system.
The result is the average cost it will incur to run the system in your house. This gives you a comparison platform to determine the most favorable unit for your household.
For air conditioning replacement or new installation in Titus, AL, contact Air Conditioning by Luquire. We will visit your home and consider factors such as its insulation and size to guide us in suggesting the SEER rating you should consider.
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