How efficient is your home’s current AC system?
How efficient is your home’s current AC system? Do you remember the last time it was upgraded? Designs for new construction homes often include modern HVAC systems, but this might not always be the case. So if you’ve had trouble understanding what the AC efficiency ratings are supposed to mean, then we have prepared a useful guide for you!
What Does SEER Stand For?
Energy efficiency is a measure of how effective an HVAC system is at operating without consuming too much power. So it stands to reason that SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio” and is often paired with EER. EER is a similar concept, only without the “seasonal” qualifier attached to it. It tracks how much cooling power can be produced versus electricity usage. EER is a one-time test conducted under carefully curated conditions, while SEER is more intensive because it also assesses system performance at different temperatures and humidity levels. Cooling may not seem important as fall rolls on, but spring and summer will come back around soon enough and you don’t want to be caught unprepared.
Evaluating an Acceptable “SEER” Level
Always be on the lookout for the well-known Energy Star sticker or label. This rating is issued by the Department of Energy, and if you see it, then you’ll know you are making a smart investment. The old minimum threshold was 8 SEER, but nowadays it is 15 SEER. Likewise, the top-flight SEER ratings can climb into the 20s, but at this point, the system might be too expensive to be reasonably priced. That said, a high-efficiency system might be the right fit for your house, especially if it is undergoing extensive renovations, so talk to HVAC technicians you know you can trust, like the team here at WE Kingswell Incorporated!
Guaranteeing Optimal AC Output
So now let’s talk about how you can optimize your AC system’s total output. SEER ratings are not ironclad – but what exactly does that mean? Simply put, you won’t always benefit from its maximum performance levels. In the end, you should choose the right HVAC system for your home – and you’ve got enough to worry about looking after your family. Give our experts a call, and we can take it from there!
We Are Proud of the Company We Keep
William E. Kingswell has remained a distinguished provider of commercial and residential heating and cooling services since 1937. We have provided an unmatched level of customer service to all of our clients, and we enjoy being the preferred HVAC equipment distributor of countless customers. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality heat pumps, boilers, unit heaters, HVAC accessories, and more. William E. Kingswell works with businesses and homeowners throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, Fairfax, Manassas, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, and Leesburg. To learn more about our extensive range of SpacePak, Concord, Allied Commercial, and Bard HVAC equipment, give us a call at 301-937-1900 or contact us today!