All HVAC units sold in the U.S. must have a SEER rating of 13 or higher.
You may have heard the term “SEER rating” before in reference to heating and air conditioning systems, but are not quite sure exactly what it means. In fact, most people don’t understand the importance of SEER ratings when selecting a new system for their homes.
All air conditioning and heating units sold in the United States now have to disclose their efficiency ratings, as this helps buyers in calculating the amount of money they will have to spend every year on keeping their homes comfortable. SEER is an acronym which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating of a particular unit, the more energy efficiency it is.
Since Jan 2006, all home air conditioning and heating units sold in the U.S. must have SEER rating of 13 or higher. However, these regulations do not apply to window units. Window units often have SEER ratings as low as 9.
When selecting a new heating and air conditioning unit, remember that the higher SEER rating, the less you will have to spend on your monthly energy bills.
HVAC units with higher the SEER rating, typically cost more than those with lower SEER ratings but the actual energy efficiency of any unit depends on a number of factors, including the age and architecture of your home, and the local climate.
To determine the best heating and A/C unit for your home, it’s best to consult with a professional heating and air conditioning contractor. They can evaluate your present situation and needs, and recommend a unit which best suits your needs and budget.
For instance, upgrading from an older unit with a SEER rating of 9 to a new one with a SEER rating of 13 could result in about third less energy consumption per season. This can save you hundreds of dollars every year, and your new unit will pay for itself within a short time.