AC 101: What’s SEER?

Everyone is ready to crank up the furnace by mid-December, but nobody is ready for mid-December prices. The energy we use skyrockets during the winter and the summer, and so does its cost.

To regulate the temperature in a house, you need something to regulate your energy usage. Luckily, there are a ton of different ways that efficient AC can save you money! Here at Air Tech of Conroe, we want to provide complete transparency about your HVAC systems. That starts with price and figuring out how to optimize your savings this season.

What Does SEER Stand For?

SEER is an acronym for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. This ratio can be calculated by the amount of cooling made to the amount of electricity used. This will find if your unit is using too much electricity for the amount of cooling produced, meaning you’re spending more money for less. Generally, the make, model and age of your machine will have a great impact on your SEER rating.

According to the US Department of Energy, heating and cooling systems already use the most amount of energy of all your home’s systems. This makes efficiency very important monetarily. This same department has required that every unit produced after 2006 have a SEER rating of 13, while older units generally have 10 or under.

The higher the SEER rating, the more cooling you are getting per watt of electricity. We recommend a minimum of 14 on your SEER scale. If you’re willing to pay more of an upfront cost, there are systems with ratings of 25!

How Do I Find My SEER Rating?

SEER ratings can usually be found on a large yellow sticker placed on the lower end of your unit.

During a professional AC installation, you’ll usually notice the technician will point out a sticker that says “Energy Guide”. The top rating will be your SEER rating, ranked between 10.9 and 25. 10.9 is the least efficient rating and is indicative of an older machine. AC units can go all the way to the top SEER rating but usually need more upfront costs.

If for any reason you can’t find the sticker, consult a professional. They can point you in the right direction to determine your SEER number. This will not only give you a good estimate of cost but the age of your machine as well. You also have the option to ask them about finding a new energy guide sticker.

Wanting To Know More About SEER?

Conroe AC services have never been easier to get! At Air Tech of Conroe, we want to serve our Texas families with affordable and transparent HVAC services.

If you want to find out more about your SEER rating or looking for emergency repair, we are here for you. We also offer same-day furnace and AC repair, giving you more time to focus on the things that matter. Fixing your home shouldn’t be stressful, so call today to schedule your next service.