When youāre investing in a new HVAC system, you want to get the most efficient unit for your home to ensure you see savings on your energy bill and do your part for the environment. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) calculates this efficiency based on how much energy is consumed while the system is heating and cooling your space. The less energy it uses to get the job done, the better the rating will be. The higher the SEER rating the more energy efficient the unit will be. Just like a HERS index score for a home or gas mileage for a car, a SEER rating is an excellent way to know how efficient your unit can perform.
What you need to know about SEER Ratings:
In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency mandated that all new air conditioners that were being installed have to be a minimum SEER rating of 14, but if you are looking to save cost on energy it is recommended to install a 16 SEER or higher unit.
Maximize your SEER rating
Now just because your HVAC system has an excellent SEER rating doesn’t mean that it will work in prime condition without a little TLC. Here are a few tips so that you can keep the repairs to a minimum and your heating and cooling system working in prime condition through the season.
- Utilize thermostat technology. In the past, you didn’t have an option but to choose a responsible temperature to set before you left for an extended period of time, and hoped that you didn’t waste money on your energy bill. Oh, how the times have changed! Now, you can get thermostats that allow you to adjust the temperature remotely so that you save hundreds of dollars each year and keep your home comfortable.
- Expert and HVAC owner maintenance. Experts should come in twice a year for routine maintenance to ensure that everything is clean and working properly. Pair that with your own physical inspections, filter changes, keeping debris off of the outside unit, and paying attention to sounds and air flow, and youāll continue to have an excellent SEER rating.
- Prevent air from escaping. There are a lot of ways for air to escape your home and make your unit work harder than it has to. The attic, crawl space, and door and window frames are the most common. Seal these up if you want to ensure your HVAC unit isnāt unnecessarily working overtime to reach the desired temperatures.