How Efficient is Your Air Conditioner?
The efficiency of your air conditioner is indicated by its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Ratio) rating, which is a rating that tells you how efficiently your unit uses electricity. In general,
the higher the SEER rating, the less electricity your unit will use to cool your home.
The typical SEER rating of air conditioners made before 1992 is about 6.0. In 1992, the
government established the minimum cooling efficiency standard for units installed in new
homes at 10.0 SEER. In 2006 the government established the new minimum rating at 13.0
SEER. High-efficiency units have a SEER of at least 14.0 and the maximum available is about
23 SEER.
That's great, but what is a SEER Rating?
A SEER rating measures how much cooling a system produces for each unit of energy it
consumes over a typical cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the
system and the lower your utility bills will be.
For example, if two air conditioners have identical cooling capacities but one has a SEER rating
that’s two points higher than the other, the more efficient model will save you 20% on your
energy costs over the course of a cooling season. Similarly, if both units are identical in every
way except that one has a three-point higher SEER rating than the other, you can expect to
save 30% on your energy costs for that season.
Why is Efficiency Important?
As energy costs continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to choose an air conditioner with
a high SEER rating to help keep your utility bills low. A new air conditioner is a significant
investment, so you want to be sure you choose a unit that will provide lasting value by saving
you money on your energy bills year after year.
This also means that while the initial purchase of a new air conditioning unit might appear to be
high, the inefficiency of your current AC unit could wind up costing you more in the long run -
especially when you factor in the need for constant repairs down the line.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Air Conditioner
In addition to selecting an air conditioner with a high SEER rating, there are other steps you can
take to ensure that your unit is running as efficiently as possible, such as:
- Regularly change or clean your air filter to ensure proper airflow
- Schedule annual maintenance checks with a qualified HVAC technician
- Make sure your ductwork is properly sealed and insulated
- Upgrade to a programmable thermostat so you can better control indoor temperatures
Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature during hot summer months doesn't have to be
expensive or difficult, as long as you have a high-efficiency air conditioner that you’re taking
good care of. If you're in the market for a new AC unit, make sure to choose one with a SEER
rating of 14 or higher and our team here at Triple Tech can provide you with the unit that’s
perfect for your home or business. Learn more at 705-333-8324.
