What is SEER Rating and Why Is It Important?

When your Abbeville, LA, home needs a new cooling system, its annual operating cost, energy use, and efficiency will be important considerations. A new cooling system is a big investment, so understanding the numbers will help you pick the right one. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, is one term you’ll need to know before shopping for a new unit. Down here in South Louisiana, where your AC runs hard for six-plus months a year, SEER matters even more than it does in milder climates.

What SEER Measures

SEER is a measure of the cooling output of an air conditioning system or a heat pump for the total cooling season divided by the amount of electricity the cooling system used during the same period of time. SEER ratings range from 9 to 16 for ducted systems and 30 to 42 for ductless cooling systems.

Why SEER Ratings Are Important

A higher SEER rating means the cooling system is more energy-efficient. This is important if you want to reduce the cost of cooling your home without sacrificing your comfort. It’s also wise to choose a cooling system with a high SEER to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

How to Choose the Right SEER Rating for a Cooling System

If you’re looking to lower the cost of cooling your Abbeville area home, look for a cooling system with a SEER of 14 or higher. If your current air conditioner has a SEER of 10, replacing it with a SEER 14 rated system will lower your cooling costs by about 30%. A system with both a high SEER rating and the Energy Star certification is your best bet. Energy Star-certified air conditioners and heat pumps cost 20% less per year to operate.

We’ve been installing cooling systems in Acadiana since 1956, and we can walk you through the SEER ratings on every unit we carry. If you’re ready to replace an aging AC and want to find the right balance of efficiency and budget, call F & R Air Conditioning at (337) 893-5646.