What Is a SEER Rating and Why Does It Matter

If you're shopping for a new HVAC system or looking to upgrade your existing unit, you’ve probably come across the term SEER Rating. But what does SEER mean, and why is it important when choosing your HVAC system?

At Burleson Plumbing & Heating, we believe that understanding SEER ratings can help you make informed decisions about your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Let’s dive into what SEER ratings are and how they affect your heating and cooling system.

What Does SEER Stand For?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools your home over an entire cooling season, based on the amount of energy it consumes.

The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of the system (in British Thermal Units, or BTUs) by the total electricity it uses (in watt-hours). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the system is.

Why Does SEER Rating Matter?

  1. Energy Efficiency

    • A system with a higher SEER rating will use less energy to cool your home, translating to lower energy bills. This can lead to substantial savings, especially during the hot summer months when your air conditioner is working the hardest.

  2. Environmental Impact

    • HVAC systems with high SEER ratings consume less electricity, which helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Choosing a more efficient system means you're not only saving money but also helping the environment.

  3. Comfort Control

    • Systems with higher SEER ratings often come equipped with more advanced features, such as variable-speed compressors, which allow for better temperature control and comfort throughout your home. These units adjust their cooling capacity based on your needs, instead of turning on and off frequently like lower-SEER models.

What Is a Good SEER Rating?

As of 2023, the minimum SEER rating required for new air conditioners in the United States is 14 for northern states and 15 for southern states, including North Carolina. However, systems with SEER ratings above 16 are considered high-efficiency. The most efficient models can have SEER ratings of 20 or higher.

While systems with higher SEER ratings may have a higher upfront cost, they offer greater long-term savings through reduced energy consumption. In some cases, homeowners may also be eligible for rebates or incentives from utility companies or government programs for installing high-efficiency systems.

How Do SEER Ratings Affect Heating?

While SEER ratings specifically refer to cooling efficiency, many high-efficiency heat pumps provide both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are rated for heating efficiency using a different metric called HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), but often, a system with a high SEER rating will also have good heating efficiency, giving you year-round comfort and savings.

Choosing the Right SEER Rating for Your Home

When choosing a new HVAC system, the right SEER rating for your home will depend on several factors, such as:

  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, a higher SEER rating will be more beneficial since your system will be running more often.

  • Budget: Higher SEER systems can cost more upfront but will provide savings on your energy bills over time.

  • Home Size: Larger homes may require a more efficient system to cool effectively and efficiently.

Why SEER Ratings and Professional Installation Matter

While choosing a high SEER system is important, proper installation by a professional HVAC contractor is equally critical to ensuring your system operates at its peak efficiency. At Burleson Plumbing & Heating, our trained technicians will help you select the right SEER-rated system for your home and ensure it’s installed correctly to maximize its energy efficiency.

The Burleson Difference

At Burleson Plumbing & Heating, we’re committed to helping homeowners like you make informed decisions about their HVAC systems. As a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer, we offer some of the most energy-efficient systems available on the market, complete with an additional 2 years of warranty for extra peace of mind.

Ready to Upgrade to a Higher SEER HVAC System?

If you’re considering upgrading to a more energy-efficient HVAC system or want to learn more about SEER ratings, our team at Burleson Plumbing & Heating is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process, answer any questions, and ensure your home stays comfortable all year round.

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image from: https://thechillbrothers.com/understanding-seer-ratings/

Adam Burleson