What Does the SEER Rating on Your AC Unit Mean?
What Does the SEER Rating on Your AC Unit mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It is the number that refers to the amount of money it costs to run an air conditioner each year.
The more a unit cools for every unit of refrigerant, the more efficient the unit is and the less it costs to operate. We use this number to determine how well your air conditioner or furnace is working.
How Does This Rating Affect Your Energy Consumption?
The way this rating affects your energy is that it allows you the ability to determine the best time to replace your unit. When the SEER goes down, it means that your efficiency rating is going down.
The air conditioner or furnace can be cleaned and maintained to minimize the amount of damage brought on by normal wear and tear.
The U.S. Government requires that manufacturers and suppliers sell units with a rating of 13 or greater. Ratings on new items can be as much as high as 23.
Why is it Important to Know When Considering a New HVAC Unit?
The biggest reason it is important to know when to get a new HVAC unit is money savings. When a machine is properly maintained with regular check-ups every year, it saves the owner money over the long run. Getting HVAC units replaced can significantly cut electric costs every month.
When Do I Call a Professional?
A professional should be called to perform preventative maintenance every year. If a unit is leaking, making noise, or putting out the wrong air temperature, then it is time to call an expert HVAC specialist. If you notice broken or worn belts, or the machine will not turn on, then an expert needs to inspect the unit. Most companies offer after-hours services for a little more money.
What Does BTU's Mean?
The BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. The SEER number is basically the same thing as the BTU. They both measure the efficiency of the air conditioner. Both are proper ways to measure the energy savings of air conditioning units.
How Do SEER Numbers Help the Environment?
By maintaining efficient home energy systems, homeowners can reduce the amount of electricity that is used to run the systems. This savings equates to taking a couple of vehicles off the road over the life of units like air conditioners and furnaces.
Go green with energy and money saving HVAC units. Call the experts of B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C at (763) 497-2290 to make your St. Michael area home more efficient today.