In the HVAC world, many acronyms, abbreviations, and unfamiliar terms are thrown around regularly. One of these is a SEER rating, which is something that is important for every Columbus, Georgia, homeowner to know. The SEER rating refers to the efficiency of your HVAC system. By understanding what the SEER rating means and how it impacts your home, you could save money on heating and cooling bills.
Breaking Down the Acronym
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A SEER rating measures the efficiency of an air conditioner, a furnace, or a heat pump by calculating the heating or cooling output for a specific season when that aspect of the system would be most highly utilized. For an air conditioning system, that season would be summer, while for a heating system, the season would probably be winter.
Maximum Rating
It’s important to note that a SEER rating is the maximum efficiency an HVAC system will achieve. This rating is similar to the miles per gallon estimate for a vehicle. If your car is estimated to return 30 miles per gallon on the highway, it won’t return that many miles per gallon when you’re stuck in traffic or driving around on city roads with more stops.
Your SEER rating is similar in that it’s the highest option and will be achieved when all conditions are ideal. Factors like ducts, damaged components, and buildup in the system can all impact efficiency.
What Is a Good SEER Rating?
If you’re shopping for a new HVAC system, you may wonder which SEER rating to look for in your research. For an air conditioner, the minimum rating is 13, while most modern units will fall somewhere between 14 and 21. A unit with a higher SEER rating will be more expensive upfront, but the idea is that you’ll be able to save money on heating and cooling expenses over its life span.
Our HVAC technicians at Indoor Solutions Inc. can answer any questions you have about SEER ratings and their importance, so give us a call at 706-489-7470.
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