As a South Florida resident, you want to make sure you install the right air conditioner. With the year-round sunshine comes unbearable heat and humidity, and failing to take care of your home’s AC may result in an uncomfortable family, poor indoor air quality, and expensive repairs. One of the factors that come up when shopping for a new air conditioner is the SEER rating. Just as with stars on hotel reviews, it seems like it means something important. But, what exactly, are they? And, what would be a good SEER rating for your Florida home?
What is a SEER rating?
SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a rating system that has existed since 2011 when the federal government decided to promote energy-efficient appliances. Since then, AC manufacturers have been conducting scientific research to determine how much energy an air conditioner uses to properly cool spaces. The better an air conditioner is for your energy bills and for the environment, the higher the SEER rating.
What is a good SEER rating?
SEER ratings range from 13 to 21. The higher the number, the more energy-efficient the appliance. Each state has its own environmental protection requirements. Specifically, Florida requires a minimum SEER rating of 14. Even though it seems like the lower end of the scale, air conditioners made before 2011 have a rating of six or lower. Therefore, even if you replace an old model with a SEER of 14, you’d be improving your system’s energy efficiency substantially.
Another way to make the decision easier for you is to shop for air conditioners with the Energy Star logo. This is a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with the Department of Energy (DOE). Its purpose is to make it easy for consumers to identify energy-efficient appliances. Products with this logo have good SEER ratings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. So you end up with lower energy bills and you do your part in saving the environment.
What Else to Keep in Mind When Choosing a SEER Rating
In addition to considering SEER ratings, keep in mind that there are other factors that could affect energy efficiency. These include:
- BTUs (British Thermal Units) of the air conditioner
- The square footage of your home
- The size of the air conditioner
- How often do you clean air ducts
- How often do you change air filters
- The type of insulation in your home
- Conducting a home energy audit to ensure there are no leaks around the windows
Since there are so many things to keep in mind — and since air conditioners are a long-term investment — the best way to purchase a unit that’s right for you is to have an experienced HVAC technician inspect your home. They’ll be able to audit the energy needed for your space and help determine the right SEER rating for your home.
Call HVAC Professionals in Broward, Palm Beach, or St. Lucie
At Sansone Air Conditioning Electrical & Plumbing, we are always ready to help you. If you live in Broward, Palm Beach, or St. Lucie, we can help you troubleshoot your air conditioner, as well as determine if there are any additional potential issues.
Call us to hear about our specials or to schedule an appointment.
Broward: (954) 800-2858
Palm Beach: (561) 701-8274
St. Lucie: (772) 879-5656