Ever wonder how your air conditioner stacks up in regards to its efficiency? Well, there is, in fact, an actual energy-efficiency rating system that measures how efficient your air conditioning system is.

So, when you’re shopping for a new cooling system or trying to determine if it’s time to replace your old system, you need to pay close attention to the SEER rating. In our most recent blog, the NATE-certified HVAC system technicians at Rusk Heating & Cooling discuss what a SEER rating is and why it’s important.

For all of your Covington, Kentucky or Cincinnati air conditioning maintenance, repair and replacement and installation needs, contact Rusk today.

What is SEER?

The acronym “SEER” stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the rating given to an air conditioner to let consumers know how energy-efficient it is. It will help you get the most bang for your buck and let you know how much energy the unit will consume. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is, which means it uses less energy to cool your home.

A SEER rating is determined by taking the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season and dividing it by the energy it uses in watt hours. 

What Is a Good SEER Rating?

Many older air conditioning units may have a SEER rating of 8 or less. Today, though, SEER ratings can earn a number anywhere from 13 to 25 depending on the make and model. Thirteen is the current minimum SEER ratings available for air conditioners on the market, but we suggest looking for one no lower than 14. Fourteen is the lowest rating a new central air conditioning system can have in order for it to qualify for an Energy Star rating, but in most cases, it makes sense to go even higher than that.

In Southern states, ACs must have a 15 SEER rating or higher because they’re used more, while many ACs and heat pumps in Northern states must have at least a 14 SEER rating. When shopping for a new AC system, it’s important to pay attention to SEER ratings to ensure that you’ll receive the cooling output that you need.

So, while an air conditioner with higher SEER ratings will usually cost a bit more upfront, it’ll be worth it in the long run. After all, you want to see lower utility bills, right?

What’s the Best SEER Rating for My Home

When shopping for an air conditioning unit, it’s important to find an AC system with the right SEER rating for your home. Your home’s size and the setup of the ductwork, among other factors, help us determine the right SEER rating.

AC systems should have a yellow and black “Energy Guide” sticker on the side of the condenser that tells you what the SEER rating is.

If you’re unsure what SEER Rating you should buy, contact the professionals at Rusk Heating & Cooling.

Benefits of a Higher SEER Rating

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating of a new air conditioner should play a significant role in your purchasing decision.

The biggest benefit you’ll receive from upgrading to a  model with a high SEER rating is the energy savings you’ll receive from it. For example, by upgrading from a SEER 9 to SEER 14 AC unit, you can reduce your energy consumption by more than 35%, according to Energy.gov. That can save you $35 a month on your monthly energy costs if the bill is typically around $100.

Some of the benefits of upgrading to a high SEER system include:

  • Quieter operation
  • Better air circulation
  • Higher home value
  • Environmentally friendly

Contact Rusk for Air Conditioning System Installation

Need help choosing between a number of air conditioners to find the right one for your home? That’s where we come in! Contact the expert technicians at Rusk Heating & Cooling to schedule service – we specialize in finding a system that will meet your needs AND save money.