Understanding SEER Ratings for AC

Benefits & Factors to Consider

As the summer season starts to take hold in Missouri, it’s only natural for families to start thinking about ways to keep cool. For many, that means cranking up the air conditioning — but how can homeowners strike the right balance between keeping cool and prioritizing energy efficiency? The answer lies in understanding the SEER ratings of their cooling equipment.

The air conditioning experts at Faszold Heating & Cooling break down SEER ratings and why they matter for your air conditioning system.

What is a SEER Rating for HVAC?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and measures how efficiently your cooling system operates over the course of a typical cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is at converting electricity into cooling power. SEER ratings range from 13 to 25, with higher numbers indicating better efficiency.

While shopping for a new air conditioner, you may notice that each unit has its SEER rating prominently displayed. This rating helps homeowners compare energy efficiency more easily to select the model best suited to their energy conservation goals and budget.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing SEER Ratings for Replacements

If you’re considering upgrading to an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating, there are several factors you should consider before making a final decision. While units with higher SEER ratings tend to be more expensive upfront, they can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

As you shop around for a new system, be sure to consider:

• Initial investment vs. long-term savings: It’s true that air conditioners with higher SEER ratings require a higher upfront investment; however, they also tend to be more energy efficient, resulting in lower monthly utility bills. Investing in a unit with a higher SEER rating can lead to substantial cost savings over the lifespan of your system.
• Climate considerations: The climate where you live can also be a major factor in determining the ideal SEER rating for your air conditioner. Here in Missouri, summers are hot and muggy, and it’s not uncommon for families to leave their air conditioners running for long stretches of time. For this reason, opting for a system with a higher SEER rating can result in greater energy savings.
• Government incentives: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, many federal and state rebates and tax incentives are available to homeowners who choose to upgrade to a system with a higher SEER rating. Be sure to check with local authorities or energy providers to see if you qualify for any incentives that could help offset the upfront cost of a higher SEER unit.

3 Benefits of a Higher SEER Rating

Choosing an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating can provide several benefits beyond just energy savings:

• Energy efficiency: Higher SEER-rated units consume less energy to provide the same level of cooling, reducing your carbon footprint and helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Operating costs: Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings use less electricity, reducing monthly utility bills and providing long-term cost savings.
• Environmental friendliness: With a focus on energy efficiency, higher SEER-rated air conditioners contribute to environmental conservation by reducing the demand for electricity generated from fossil fuels.

Schedule with Faszold Today!

Understanding SEER ratings is an important part of choosing the right air conditioner for your home. While higher SEER-rated units may require a larger initial investment, they offer superior energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and environmental benefits that make the upfront cost worthwhile.

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, trust the team at Faszold to find the system that best fits your needs. Offering upfront, transparent pricing and a no-pressure sales experience, we work carefully with each client to find the cooling system that perfectly matches their home size, budget, and comfort preferences.

request service in St. Charles, MO, by calling (314) 656-7399 today!