A SEER rating is an air conditioning system’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system is. The minimum SEER rating that an air conditioner can have is 13. However, most units in the market today have a rating of 14 or higher.
High-efficiency air conditioners have a SEER rating of 20 or higher. These units are more expensive to purchase and install, but they’ll save you money in the long run because they use less energy.
At Stephan Home Comfort, we can help you choose a suitable air conditioning unit for your home and ensure it is installed correctly. We also provide AC repair services in Garden Grove, CA. If you are unsure about our service locations, please search for AC or “furnace repair near me” to find quick results.
Tools Used For Measuring SEER Rating
The two main ways to measure a SEER rating are:
- Air conditioner’s power consumption in watts: This is measured using a wattmeter, which is placed in line with the air conditioner’s circuit breaker. The air conditioner is then run for a set period, and the wattmeter measures how much power it consumes.
- Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): This is the ratio of cooling output (in British Thermal Units or BTUs) to energy input (in watts) during a set period, usually an hour. It is measured at a specific outside temperature and humidity level.
Importance Of A SEER Rating
A SEER rating is important because:
- It indicates how much energy your air conditioner will use throughout a cooling season.
- It can help you compare different models of air conditioners to find the most energy-efficient one.
- It affects your air conditioner’s operating costs.
- It can help reduce your carbon footprint.
- It may qualify you for a tax credit or rebate.
- A SEER rating is required by law in some states.
Factors That Affect The Efficiency Of An Air Conditioner
There are a few factors that can affect the efficiency of an air conditioner, including:
- The size of the AC unit: A larger air conditioner is not always more efficient. An AC unit that is too large for the space it is cooling will cycle on and off more frequently, which uses more energy and wears out the components faster.
- The age of the unit: As an air conditioner ages, it loses efficiency. This is why it is important to have regular ac maintenance services performed by one of our qualified technicians.
- Dirty filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and make the air conditioner work harder, which requires more energy. Call our professional AC service experts in Garden Grove, CA, today.
- Leaking refrigerant: A leak in the refrigerant lines can cause the air conditioner to run less efficiently and damage the compressor.
- Improper installation: An air conditioner needs to be installed correctly to function as efficiently as it should.
Contact Stephan Home Comfort today if you are unsure which SEER rating is right for you or need help with AC service in Garden Grove, CA. Our team of qualified technicians will be happy to assist you. Call us at (714) 894-6500.