What Is a Good SEER Rating?

air conditioner outside of a home

Summer is nearly here, which means it may be time to invest in a new air conditioner. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. One of the critical factors to consider is the SEER rating of an AC unit. What is a SEER rating and why is it important to know? In this blog post, the team at Novak Heating, Air & Duct Cleaning discusses everything you need to know about SEER ratings and how it affects your cooling bills.

What Is a SEER Rating?

SEER, short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner unit can convert electrical energy into cooling power. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is. In simple terms, the SEER rating is like miles-per-gallon (MPG) on a car. The more MPG a car gets, the less fuel it consumes. Similarly, an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will consume less energy, resulting in significant energy savings.

What Is a Good SEER Rating?

So, what is a good SEER rating? The Department of Energy (DOE) requires all new AC units to have a minimum SEER rating of 14. However, some high-end units can have a SEER rating of 25 or more, making them incredibly energy efficient. A SEER rating of 14 is suitable for homeowners who use their air conditioning units sparingly. But, for people who run their air conditioning units all summer long, a SEER rating of at least 16 or higher is recommended.

Does the SEER Rating Affect Costs?

Higher SEER AC units are often more expensive because they use premium components and advanced technologies to deliver high-efficiency cooling. For instance, units with variable-speed compressors, evaporator coils, and smart thermostats can achieve remarkable efficiency levels, but they come at a premium cost. However, the extra upfront cost of air conditioning unit installation can be justified by the long-term energy savings and hassle-free operation of the unit.

With the rising costs of cooling during summer, it is becoming increasingly important to consider all aspects when buying a new air conditioning unit. The higher the SEER ratings are air conditioning models, the better their energy efficiency, which means they cost less to operate than an air conditioner with a lower SEER rating. Choosing a model with a high SEER rating gives you more bang for your buck and helps reduce some of the energy costs that come with heat waves.

An air conditioning system with higher SEER ratings not only helps you save energy bills but also reduces your carbon footprint. More efficient air conditioners reduce the amount of electricity needed to cool your home, thus decreasing the overall environmental impact of energy generation.

Find the Perfect Air Conditioner for Your Cedar Rapids Area Home With Help from Novak

A good SEER rating is a critical factor in making an informed decision when purchasing a new air conditioner. Air conditioners with high SEER ratings can deliver higher efficiency, energy savings, and improved environmental impact. At Novak Heating and Cooling in Cedar Rapids, we offer top-of-the-line AC units with high SEER ratings that are tailored to meet your cooling comfort and energy-saving goals. Call us today to schedule your AC installation estimate.