When your HVAC unit is working efficiently, it consumes less energy as it cools or heats your home. We determine the efficiency of your air conditioner specifically with its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER. As a general rule of them, the higher the SEER number is, the more efficient your air conditioning unit is.
It wasn’t until 1992 that the government established minimum standards for efficiency in the United States. In the early ‘90s, it was common for HVAC equipment to have a SEER rating of around 8 or 9. Now the minimum standard for most states is 13 or 14. While today’s minimum ratings may seem low, they are far superior in efficiency when compared to units with only an 8 or 9. If you live in an older house and are still operating with an air conditioner that is 20+ years old, there’s a good chance your energy efficiency will improve dramatically with a newer unit! Keep in mind that a SEER rating is variable, meaning an HVAC unit with the highest SEER may not save you money in the future or “pay for itself.” If equipment rated at a 21 SEER only performs at a 15 SEER in your home, it may be wiser to save money and purchase the unit with a lower rating. Our licensed and trained HVAC contractors can help you determine the most appropriate unit for your home based on a variety of factors:
Your budget
The size of your home
The size of the unit and its air handling capacity
The amount of time you spend at home and how often you plan to use the A/C each day
The indoor temperature you prefer
The presence of fan-only switches which allows you to circulate air without conditioning it
Ease of maintenance
Warranty terms
If you’re ready to see if you could benefit from a more efficient unit, give the experts at Arrow Electric in Douglas a call! Get ready for that summer air!
