This summer, you could be faced with the decision to replace your old air conditioning system. When it comes to picking a new A/C, you may have questions about what all the numbers associated with different cooling systems. Knowing what those numbers, in particular SEER efficiency ratings, mean can help you select the best A/C for your Georgia home.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER, measures how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump converts electricity into cooling during a season. Sufficiently high SEER ratings can mean big savings down the road, provided you pick the right one for your home. These ratings give you a good benchmark to compare different units, as the rating is a direct reflection of how efficiently an A/C performs within set parameters that are the same across manufacturers.

SEER ratings can rise into the mid-20s. Until 10 years ago or so, A/Cs and heat pumps commonly had sub-10 SEER numbers. Currently, the federal government mandates that all new central air conditioning units grade out at SEER 13 or higher. Usually, the higher the SEER efficiency rating, the more costly the A/R or heat pump. However, the lure of a high-SEER cooling system is the monthly savings on electric bills, which over time will more than defray any extra cost. This is even more the case in Southern climates like ours where we rely on our A/Cs for so much of the year.

Another factor to look for when weighing a new central air conditioning purchase is whether it carries the federal Energy Star seal. That label indicates a particular air conditioner functions in the top 25 percent of all units, and carries a minimum SEER of 14. You’ll do even better, however, with an A/C or heat pump with a SEER 16 or higher, since these are considered high efficiency.

Simply choosing a unit with a high SEER rating will not guarantee that your home is cooled at its most efficient, however. Picking an installer who has been trained in central air conditioning installation is a must. When it comes time to upgrade, contact the experts at Powers Heating and Air in Peachtree City. With more than 30 years experience in the business, we have the know-how to keep your home efficiently comfortable this summer.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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