Are you considering an HVAC system upgrade with a new air conditioner?
ETR, a trusted HVAC company in Tyler, Texas, understands it can be difficult to choose the right AC system for your home or business.
What criteria should you be looking for?
First, speak with your local AC and heating company about what HVAC system might be right for you.
Are you interested in an energy-efficient HVAC system? Have you heard of the SEER rating and its updated version, SEER2?
You might be familiar with the ENERGY STAR rating system, but HVAC also has a rating system to differentiate between systems that are more, or less, energy efficient.
What is SEER and SEER2?
SEER stands for: “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.”
SEER measures the cooling output of an AC or heat pump during a typical cooling season, divided by the watt-hours of energy used. Think of it as the gas mileage rating for your air conditioner in terms of energy efficiency.
Recently, the Department of Energy (DOE) updated the SEER rating to SEER2, incorporating a new M1 blower testing procedure. SEER2 takes into account the amount of heat removed from the conditioned space throughout the annual cooling season and adjusts the testing conditions to better reflect real-world, installed equipment conditions.
Understanding SEER2 and Its Benefits
SEER2 introduces improved testing conditions, reflecting actual equipment conditions more accurately. The new M1 testing procedure raises the external static pressure by a factor of five, offering a more precise representation of an AC unit’s performance in typical residential settings.
These regulatory changes were implemented by the DOE to ensure better accuracy in testing and provide consumers with more reliable information about the energy efficiency of their HVAC systems.
Choosing an Efficient HVAC Unit
When looking for an energy-efficient HVAC unit, pay attention to the SEER2 rating. For hot regions like East Texas, aim for a SEER2 rating of at least 14 or 15. Higher SEER2 ratings mean better energy efficiency and potential savings on your utility bills.
According to HVAC.com, SEER2 ratings of 13-15 are considered good, 16-19 are better, and 20-24 is best. The highest available SEER2 rating is currently 26.
What Type of Units Have the Highest SEER Ratings?
A mini-split AC system is generally the most efficient AC system to invest in for your home or business. Still, it’s important to discuss with your HVAC expert what unit is most useful and efficient for your unique situation.
While they might be more expensive at the outset, a high-rated SEER system has numerous advantages, making it a good long-term investment and saving you money in the long run.
If you’re concerned about the environment and want to find ways to make your home more energy efficient, investing in a higher-rated SEER HVAC system is a good place to start. ACs with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient, meaning they require less fuel and expel less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Advantages of High SEER2 Rated Systems
Investing in a high-rated SEER2 system might have a higher upfront cost, but it’s a wise long-term investment. Higher SEER2-rated systems offer several benefits, including:
- Increased Energy Efficiency: ACs with higher SEER2 ratings consume less energy, resulting in lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact.
- Better Indoor Comfort: High SEER2 systems effectively remove moisture from the air, reducing the likelihood of mold and mildew growth within your home.
- Potential Savings: Despite the initial cost, the long-term savings on utility bills often outweigh the initial investment, making it a financially prudent choice.
- Rebates and Incentives: Many states and even the national level offer rebates and incentives for purchasing AC units with high SEER2 ratings, making it more affordable.
Navigating through the options to choose the right air conditioner for your home or business can be overwhelming. Consulting your local HVAC company and considering important details like ENERGY STAR and SEER2 ratings can help you select an energy-efficient unit that cools and dehumidifies your space effectively while saving you money in the long run.
Contact your trusted local East Texas AC repair company today, and make the move towards a new, energy-efficient unit installed before you know it. Stay informed about the latest SEER2 ratings for a sustainable and cost-effective HVAC solution.