Air conditioner users in Pineville, North Carolina, might have heard about SEER rating. However, not many homeowners know about the exact implications of installing a SEER rated AC system. Find out what SEER rating is and how much weight you should assign to it while selecting an air conditioning unit.
What is a SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently an AC unit cools the air, in comparison to the amount of energy it consumes. The higher the rating, the more efficient your AC is. Just like the miles per gallon of your car, a higher SEER rating helps you get the most for your money, while also saving energy and the environment.
As per government regulations in North Carolina, an air conditioning system must have a minimum SEER of 14.
How Much Can You Save?
To give you some perspective, upgrading a 10 SEER rating air conditioning system to 16 can save you up to 50% on energy bills. The larger the unit, the higher the savings you will make. However, note that SEER rating corresponds to the highest efficiency level your AC unit can achieve; it’s not that your AC unit will always operate at the efficiency that its SEER rating represents.
How Much Consideration Does It Deserve?
While higher SEER units are more expensive upfront, they save you money in the long run. Though SEER rating cannot be the sole criterion while buying a new unit, it’s definitely a major factor worth considering. Another thing to keep in mind is that as your AC system gets older, its efficiency declines over time. So, choose your SEER rating accordingly.
If you already have a high SEER unit, upgrading it to a slightly higher rating may not make much sense. It’s only when the difference between the ratings of your old and new units is wider, you’ll be able to make more savings.
If you are looking to install a new air conditioning unit, we at Bradham Brothers, Inc. can help you choose the right one for your home. Call us at (704) 912-1456.
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