If you’re a homeowner who’s looking to get a new AC installed in your home, you may be overwhelmed by the various metrics used to evaluate air conditioning systems and their performance abilities. One metric that often pops up is the unit’s SEER rating, which indicates its level of energy efficiency. In this guide, we’ll break down what different SEER ratings indicate and what they can mean to homeowners.
If you are in the market for a new air conditioning system, the Dallas air conditioning experts at Sherrell Air Conditioning & Heating can help. We can evaluate your home’s cooling needs and provide you with recommendations on what system would work best for you, ensuring you find an air conditioner that provides you with maximum comfort while saving you money.
Call our Dallas AC installation technicians at Sherrell Air at (972) 216-1961 to schedule our services or to learn more about what we can do for you.
What is SEER?
When looking for a new air conditioning system, there are a lot of things to consider and take into account before deciding on the one you want. One of the main factors to consider is the system’s SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it indicates how energy-efficient a central air conditioner or heat pump is.
SEER ratings indicate energy efficiency in the same way that a car’s miles per gallon indicates its fuel efficiency. A car with a high mileage rating is able to use fuel more efficiently, which can help you save money on gas. An air conditioning system with a high SEER rating is able to use energy more efficiently, helping you save on your electricity bill.
How is SEER Calculated?
SEER rating is calculated by taking the total cooling output of a system in a typical cooling season and dividing it by the total electrical input. This ratio is expressed as a numerical value, with a higher SEER rating indicating greater efficiency. It essentially quantifies how effectively the system converts electricity into cooling power.
What are the SEER Ratings?
SEER ratings can range anywhere from as low as 6 to as high as 25, with most modern systems having a score of about 14-16. Due to the cooling needs of those in the South, air conditioners in the southernmost part of the United States are required to have a minimum SEER rating of 15. Below, we’ll break down what each score range means for homeowners.
6-8 SEER
A SEER rating of 6, 7, or 8 is considered incredibly inefficient by today’s standards, and is likely old and outdated. Cooling systems with a SEER rating below 9 require a lot of energy in order to cool a home. This inefficient cooling can lead to high energy bills. These systems may also be in bad condition, contributing to its low efficiency. A very low SEER rating is one of many signs it’s time to replace your HVAC system.
9-12 SEER
An HVAC unit with a SEER rating of 9, 10, 11, or 12 is considered to be somewhat efficient and is most likely on the older side. While these systems are oftentimes still functional, their inefficiency can drive up energy costs, costing homeowners more money in the long run.
13-14 SEER
A cooling system with a SEER rating of 13 or 14 is considered adequately energy efficient for homes in the northern part of the country. These systems are likely to provide adequate cooling for the spring and fall, but may be less energy efficient during the summer, especially in the South.
15-16 SEER
An air conditioner with a SEER rating of 15 or 16 is ideal for homes in the South. These systems are designed to provide adequate cooling all summer long, all while lowering energy costs, making them the ideal choice for those looking to prioritize long-term savings.
17-18 SEER
HVAC units with a SEER rating of 17 or 18 are incredibly energy efficient and can help reduce energy costs even further, but often require a higher upfront cost compared to other systems. In the hotter parts of the country, however, this high SEER rating can translate into lower energy bills. If you are willing to pay a little more upfront, this kind of cooling system can provide you with enhanced comfort and long-term savings.
19-20 SEER
An air conditioner with a SEER rating of 19 or 20 is considered to be an exceptionally efficient system, but will often come at a higher price than most other air conditioning systems. An efficient system like this would be ideal for those looking to save on energy bills and decrease their home’s environmental impact.
21-25 SEER
An air conditioning system with a SEER rating of 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, is going to be one of the most advanced cooling systems available, offering unparalleled levels of energy efficiency. These systems are on the cutting edge of HVAC technology, which makes them fairly expensive.
As they use significantly less energy than other systems, these systems are ideal for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and decrease their home’s overall energy consumption.
26 SEER and Above
An air conditioner with a SEER rating of 26 or above is as energy efficient as it comes, offering lower energy costs and lower energy consumption, all while providing more consistent cooling than other systems. These systems with higher SEER ratings are pretty expensive, but they can be great for those looking to have the lowest energy consumption possible.
What SEER Rating Do I Need?
It depends. Different regions of the country have different cooling needs, and different homeowners have different goals for their homes. In general, homeowners in Texas will likely need air conditioners with SEER ratings between 14-16. These can offer optimal cooling and help homeowners save a significant amount on their monthly energy bills.
However, not all homeowners are alike, and a system’s efficiency may be more important to someone than long-term savings. If you are looking to find a new air conditioning system that meets your needs and goals, an HVAC technician can help you evaluate your options and find one that is right for you.
For All Your Dallas HVAC Needs, Trust the Experts at Sherrell Air Conditioning and Heating
Shopping for a new air conditioner can be stressful. Luckily, the Dallas air conditioning experts at Sherrell Air Conditioning & Heating are here to help you every step of the way. We can help you decide between various air conditioning units with different SEER ratings, ensuring you find one that meets your short-term and long-term financial goals, as well as your environmental goals. We can also help you choose an HVAC system that will meet your home’s unique cooling needs, and then provide you with expert installation services when you find the system you’re looking for. Take the next step towards a more comfortable home–call us at (972) 216-1961 or contact us online to speak with a member of our team about your HVAC needs.
