Understanding A/C Ratings: SEER is The Key

Other than a bricks and mortar expansion, replacing your air conditioning unit is the largest investment you can make in your Denver home. Price alone is not the way to judge a system you are considering for your home. Checking the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating of your new unit is very important. SEER is the primary indicator of how energy efficient your new air conditioning system will be. SEER is a complex measurement unlike measuring a furnace’s efficiency which is on a simple 1 to 100 scale.

Fortunately, manufacturers are required to label their air conditioning systems with the SEER. The higher the SEER the more energy efficient it is. Sadly, the higher the SEER the more expensive the air conditioning unit will be.

Older homes running original air conditioning systems can expect SEER ratings between 6 and 10. These units do not meet Federal standards. Units manufactured now must have a SEER no lower than 13. It is amazing that older units with a SEER of 10 were thought to be energy efficient. Actually, they were at the time.

Modern technology and requirements for insulation make our current lowest allowable SEER to be higher than the air conditioning units installed before 2006.

Another important rating feature is known as an EnergyStar label. These are ratings done by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Its purpose is to help consumers and businesses select energy efficient electrical goods including air conditioners, furnaces and water heaters. Begun in 1992, the program expanded to include the United States Department of Energy in 2005. To earn an EnergyStar label an air conditioner must meet stringent A/C ratings. These A/C ratings grow stricter over time. Requirements for a manufacturer to be able to label a product with an EnergyStar label in 2013 are higher than in 2010. EnergyStar labeling is important as many utility companies in the Denver area will give rebates to consumers who change out their air conditioning systems with a more efficient system. But, they also require that a new AC unit have an EnergyStar label.

Take Away

Homeowners and businesses who replace their air conditioning systems can check system efficiency by looking for the SEER. The minimum SEER is 13, the higher the SEER the more efficient the system. EnergyStar labeled AC systems may entitle businesses and homeowners to receive rebates from local utility companies.

To learn more about how Indoor Air Quality, Inc. in Denver, Colorado can help you with your air conditioning needs, take advantage of mfg. and utility company rebates, and make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient year-round, please submit a “Schedule a Service” form for a free estimate or contact our trained HVAC technicians today.