SEER Ratings: What You Need to Know
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump operates over a cooling season. A higher SEER rating means that the unit is more efficient and will use less energy to cool your home. What Is a Good SEER Rating? The minimum SEER rating for new air conditioners and heat pumps sold in the United States is 13.4. However, a good SEER rating for most homes is 14 or higher. A SEER rating of 16 or higher is considered to be very efficient. The cost of an air conditioner or heat pump with a higher SEER rating will be higher upfront, but you will save money on your energy bills over time. The amount of money you save will depend on the efficiency of your old unit, the size of your home, and the climate you live in. In general, a 16 SEER air conditioner will save you about $100 per year on your energy bills compared to an 8 SEER unit. A 20 SEER unit will save you about $200 per year. So, what is a good SEER rating? It depends on your budget and your needs. If...
View Article Continue Reading