There is no single SEER level that is ideal for every home. Only a series of guidelines exist that will help you determine what SEER level works best for your particular situation. Things like the climate your home is in or the budget you are trying to stay in play factors in your decision.
How do you know what is more efficient?
The air conditioner’s SEER rating is based on its efficiency. This refers to the amount of energy your air conditioner must consume so that your place reaches the required temperature. Convection dissipates heat by using energy to circulate refrigerant within a chamber, and the heat captured inside is blown away.
More efficient the unit is, the less power it uses to cool down. To illustrate, if two identical homes have no other differences, the one with a 14 SEER air conditioner will use approximately 33 percent less energy for cooling than the one with a 21 SEER air conditioner, which can amount to up to $400 over the summertime.
What is the best choice for you?
While a high SEER rating indicates the air conditioner’s advanced ability to eliminate heat from the indoor environment in just a single system, a 20-plus SEER unit is not always the best choice for your home.
Higher rating at SEER for air conditioners generally means their cost is greater. You can purchase a top-quality SEER-rated system at an assortment of prices, though it will likely cost you more to buy the initial equipment. Depending on the average temperature and how often you run your system the initial cost may take years to break even.
In general, a high SEER rating isn’t necessary in every home. While the highest SEER rated air conditioner isn’t necessary in every home, the lowest SEER rated device may end up costing you more money in the long run. Even though low SEER rated units are cheaper to purchase, you will probably end up spending more in energy costs. The Department of Energy recommends that homeowners select cooling devices with a minimum of a 16 SEER rating if saving money is a top priority.
What size unit should you get?
Installation contributes to the new air conditioner’s ability to efficiently cool and dehumidify your home. An air conditioner with a high SEER rating that is too big or too small for your family home may consume unnecessarily large amounts of energy.
An HVAC contractor can install the equipment to the manufacturer’s specifications and calculate the total cooling capacity based on the room and energy loss. They will install and make the system operate according to manufacturer standards. T
It is best to have a professional evaluate your home and find the best unit to install based on your area and home needs.
