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What is a SEER Rating, and Why Does it Matter?

Three air conditioners next to one another on the ground outside of a yellow wall

SEER Rating and Your HVAC

Energy efficiency is a key component for all HVAC units. Efficiency is generally measured through a SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This measurement will determine whether or not your unit effectively cools or heats your home compared to the amount of energy it uses to do so.

What a SEER Rating Means

SEER is a simple measurement that is a sign of how much energy savings you can expect while still maintaining top performance.

Most air conditioners today have a rating between 13 and 21. An ENERGY STAR® AC must have at least a 14.5 SEER rating. While the rating is not a 100% guarantee of savings, it is a signal of the potential savings you could see. For example, if you have dirty filters, inefficient ductwork, and a poor thermostat, you won’t see the full savings offered by a highly-rated unit.

In Texas, and many other southern states, the minimum SEER rating on new AC units is 14, a regulation passed in 2015.

Why the SEER Rating Matters

When shopping for a new air conditioning unit, or looking to learn more about your current unit, the SEER rating will give you an idea of how much energy is used by your system. A higher SEER rating will cost more upfront, but you’ll see more energy savings each month.

Higher SEER-rated AC units also have additional features that provide enhanced comfort for your home, so you really get your money’s worth.

Your AC takes up a lot of energy, so it’s crucial to find a unit that doesn’t cost you more than necessary. If you have an older unit or have been putting off replacing your HVAC system, you may be surprised at how much you’ll save each month on your utility bills when you upgrade to a unit with a SEER rating even modestly above the minimum.

High-Efficiency AC Specialists

When you want to save money and improve your AC performance, trust the Carrollton HVAC service technicians at Lex Air. Contact us today at (972) 217-8955 to learn about improving your HVAC efficiency.

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