It’s that time of year in Northeast Ohio when we give our air conditioning a rest for the next several months. However, maybe over the summer you noticed that your unit wasn’t blowing very cold air, or maybe your electric bill was through the roof because it wasn’t working as efficiently as it should. This means it’s probably time to start budgeting and doing some research so you’re ready to purchase a new system next year.

SEER Rating – What it Means to Your Air Conditioning System

When you’re starting your research for a new air conditioning unit, you’ll undoubtedly hear a lot about the term “SEER”. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it’s an important factor to consider when purchasing a new system. SEER is the ratio of how much electricity your unit consumes compared to the level of cooling output it produces. In northern states like Ohio, where our air conditioning isn’t running 365 days a year, the minimum SEER ratio for new units is 13. Older units probably have a SEER ratio of 10 or lower, which means replacing it with a more efficient unit will certainly decrease your energy bills.

Some new units go as high as 25, but based on where you live, the highest SEER rating possible might not actually save you money over time. The higher the SEER rating, the more expensive the unit is. Plus, you might think you’re paying for a higher quality unit overall, but in reality you’re paying for higher efficiency. In a climate where air conditioning isn’t needed year round, you could actually be losing money based on how much you spent on the system.

Other factors to consider when thinking the best SEER rating for your new system are how long you plan on utilizing the new system, as well as how long you are planning to live in the home you’re purchasing the system for. This is where it gets a little tricky math-wise. Basically, you need to compare the costs of the different systems and calculate the savings of a model with a lower SEER rating, then determine how often you’ll be running the system to really get a true number for the money you’ll save in energy bills over time.

Remember, the higher the SEER rating, the less energy your air conditioner consumes.

Of course, when in doubt about which system or SEER rating is right for your home, consult the experts! Efficient Heating and Cooling has a team of professionals who are well-versed on all types of air conditioning systems. We measure and calculate the right size unit and SEER rating for your home.

If you will be ready to upgrade your air conditioning system soon, contact the professionals at Efficient Heating and Cooling today!  If you’re in the Cleveland area, contact us or give us a call at 216-663-6462.