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Energy efficiency is a buzzword that has been following homeowners around and working its way into every conversation about home maintenance for quite some time. It’s no different with your HVAC system.
Similar to Energy-Star Ratings for home appliances, HVAC systems have long been measured with their own metric to quantify efficiency, known as a SEER rating. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, refers to the cooling output of the unit divided by the electrical energy it consumes during one season of use. Understanding SEER ratings is an essential step for saving money and purchasing a system that fits with your home’s needs.
What is a Positive SEER Rating?
Simply put, the higher, the better. Similar to Miles Per Gallon (MPG) for your car, a higher number means a more efficient rating.
On January 1, 2015, the Department of Energy placed new federal regulations on standards for heating and cooling products in the United States. The updated federal regulation varies by region, but all air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured after December 31, 2014, must comply with these standards. California falls within the Southwest zone for this regulation, which requires A/C Units to have a SEER rating of 13 or more. SEER ratings of the most efficient systems can reach upwards of 24.
What About Older A/C Units?
Generally speaking, the older your HVAC unit, the less efficient it likely is. Many older units have a SEER rating of 10 or below, and those units tend to lose their efficiency over time. If your energy bills are skyrocketing without explanation, it may be time to look into purchasing a more energy efficient HVAC system.
Talk With Your HVAC Experts
At Just Right Services, we are dedicated to ensuring your residential HVAC system and plumbing systems are performing at their best. Whether you are looking for scheduled maintenance, repairs, or replacement, your dedicated team of Just Right Services technicians and customer service representatives are here to talk with you about your best options. Contact us today at (949) 245-6320 today.
