At Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning, we always talk about the importance of having a high-efficiency AC system, but how much, you might wonder, does it matter? A leader in Tampa air conditioning installation and repair, Del-Air recognizes that high-efficiency AC units might cost more in the short term. However, in the long run, buying an AC with a higher SEER rating can save you big bucks in utility costs. Further, the higher the efficiency rating of your AC, the less money it will cost to operate.
Understanding SEER Units
SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a metric used to assess the efficiency of AC units. The higher the SEER rating of a particular system, the more efficient it will be in cooling your home.
It’s important to note that the U.S. government sets guidelines for new AC equipment. As of January 2006, all central air equipment must possess a minimum SEER of 13. However, homeowners can opt to purchase units with SEERs as high as 23. For a unit to possess the coveted Energy Star label, it must boast a minimum SEER level of 14.
SEER measurements aren’t just numbers—they also determine how much money a family spends on utilities. If your current AC model is 10 years or older, switching it out for a high-efficiency model can save you 20% to 40% a month in energy costs.
The below tables reveal how higher SEER levels translate to higher savings for families:
Your Existing HVAC Efficiency: SEER of 6
New Air Conditioner Efficiency Expected Reduction in Electricity SEER 13 49% SEER 14 56% SEER 15 63% SEER 16 70%
Your Existing HVAC Efficiency: SEER of 7
New Air Conditioner Efficiency Expected Reduction in Electricity SEER 13 42% SEER 14 49% SEER 15 56% SEER 16 63%
Your Existing HVAC Efficiency: SEER of 8
New Air Conditioner Efficiency Expected Reduction in Electricity SEER 13 35% SEER 14 42% SEER 15 49% SEER 16 56%
Your Existing HVAC Efficiency: SEER of 9
New Air Conditioner Efficiency Expected Reduction in Electricity SEER 13 28% SEER 14 35% SEER 15 42% SEER 16 49%
Your Existing HVAC Efficiency: SEER of 10
New Air Conditioner Efficiency Expected Reduction in Electricity SEER 13 21% SEER 14 28% SEER 15 35% SEER 16 42%
Contact Our HVAC Specialists
At Del-Air, we know that an old or malfunctioning AC unit can wreak havoc on your utility costs. For more information on what new higher-SEER HVAC units can do for your energy bills, contact the Tampa air conditioning professionals at Del-Air today at
