When you are looking into getting a new air conditioner you will potentially hear the term “SEER” used to describe a new air conditioner unit. We thought we would take this opportunity to explain what SEER really means and why it is important when it comes to your air conditioner, energy usage and the environment.
First, let’s talk about what SEER actually mean. SEER stands for Season Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER essentially measures the efficiency of an air conditioner – the higher the SEER rating the better the efficiency. Over the years the government has put pressure on air conditioner producers to increase the SEER rating on air conditioners to decrease energy consumption and to help the environment. Starting in 2015 new air conditioners installed in certain states (just the hotter ones in the southern part of the country) will be required to have at least a 14.0 SEER.
If you have an older home with an older air conditioner you probably have a unit that has a SEER rating of somewhere between 6.0 and 10.0. Newer air conditioners are going to have a SEER rating of between 10.0 and 18.0. As technology has improved so has the energy efficiency of air conditioners.
Even though getting a new air conditioner is a large investment, you will save money on your utility bills because the SEER rating will be higher. You will also be helping the environment and decreasing your carbon footprint because you will be consuming less energy to cool your home.
If you have any questions about replacing your old air conditioner or how SEER ratings will impact your utility bills, please call Dan Schmied at 720-876-7166 or email him directly at [email protected]. Estimates are always free!
