As you search for the perfect central air conditioner, not knowing air conditioning ratings, called SEER ratings, can be a minor inconvenience. It’s like going on a hiking trail without your hiking boots. You won’t be able to get that far.
For AC ratings, each rating shows the cooling efficiency of the system.
You must know the SEER ratings before going on the market to purchase your air conditioning unit.
Understanding SEER Ratings
The most widely used HVAC system in the states is the AC split (which is also in international demand, by the way) or the heat pump system. These systems have a specific component on the inside: the internal component found inside a home called the evaporator or manipulator coil, plus an external compressor or condenser on the outside.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and applies to split ACs. From 13 to 25 (these numbers are for the US only), SEER ratings are obtained by dividing the cooling output by the electrical power that runs the motors and equipment.
Closer to 25, the unit has a good SEER rating. The further and it is not as efficient.
Meaning of these energy stars
So how do these SEER ratings, or what we’d like to call them: energy stars, affect the HVAC industry? Simple, manufacturers cannot in any way sell or deal with split ACs that have low SEER ratings. Anything below 14 is bad and should not be treated. In order for these low-rated ACs to qualify to be bought and sold, they must earn a SEER rating greater than 15.
This was the point of view of a salesperson. However, if you are a buyer, be aware that air conditioning units with higher efficiency ratings may cost you more. While a homeowner looking to buy a new partition has every right to know how much a particular air conditioning system will cool their home, they should also know that they should buy one that meets their needs and demands and not opt for a unit that have a higher ranking.
Let us help you decide
If you use your air conditioning unit constantly during the day and night, you should invest in an air conditioning unit with a higher SEER rating. As time goes on, low operating costs will make the down payment more bearable.
However, if you don’t plan to stay in this current home of yours for more than a year or two, or if you stay out of town most of the time, we recommend that you do not invest in a divided unit that has a higher rating. Instead, it is better to go for a low rating unit.