What You Need to Know About Your AC System’s SEER Rating

Saving money on utility expenses in Harbinger, North Carolina, starts with understanding how your HVAC system works. When it comes to your HVAC system, you need to learn more about the SEER rating. That way, you’ll get the most energy-efficient operation out of your equipment.

What Does SEER Stand For?

The acronym SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio, which is the cooling output of the air conditioner divided by the energy it uses. This is a measure of how efficiently your HVAC equipment is operating.

According to the United States Department of Energy, machines made today must have a minimum SEER rating of 13. The maximum number can reach as high as 25. Remember, though, that this is a maximum. It doesn’t mean that the system always operates at 25. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system will operate. The more efficient it is, the less it costs you to cool your living space.

Finding a Balance

As the SEER rating goes up, so does the price of the HVAC system. You need to put some thought into how to strike a balance between the expense of the equipment and the money you’ll save on your utilities.

One thing to consider is the climate where you live. If you only use your air conditioning for a few weeks out of the year, you probably don’t need to spend the money on a top-of-the-line model. You won’t experience enough savings to justify the investment. However, if your climate is hot and humid most of the year, a higher SEER rating may be worth the extra cost.

If you want to get the maximum benefit from your HVAC system’s SEER rating, keep your home at a consistent temperature rather than constantly adjusting the thermostat up and down. As a result, you’ll maximize comfort while keeping energy costs under control.

Determining the proper SEER rating for your HVAC system is part of a comprehensive plan to operate your home as efficiently as possible. Call North Beach Services Heating and Cooling at (252) 429-5325 to schedule an evaluation of your system today.

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