Basics on Air Conditioning SEER Ratings

Basics on Air Conditioning SEER Ratings

We all want the maximum efficiency from the various appliances in our home, particularly those that are part of our HVAC system. Heating and air is one of the key areas when it comes to home efficiency, and at All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling, our local plumbers can help you with every element of it to ensure you’re leaving no stone unturned.

One big factor here that some homeowners are unaware of? The SEER rating for your air conditioner, which measures how much cooling power you receive for every unit of electricity the system uses – effectively, how efficient your unit is. Here are the basics on calculating SEER rating, what it means, and the thresholds you should consider in your home

Calculating SEER Rating

The SEER rating, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is calculated by comparing the cooling output of an AC unit to the watt-hours of energy that same unit uses. This number is then adjusted based on the average range of outside temperatures in your area. There’s a slightly complex calculation process, but in the end, what you need to know is this: The higher your SEER rating, the more efficient a machine for your home.

Minimum Thresholds

The general guideline from the federal government is that all new air conditioners must be made with a SEER rating of 13 or higher, while some manufacturers have slightly higher standards. Heat pumps and split-system AC units will have lower thresholds, as they’re naturally less efficient technologies. Many states in the south are required to have higher standards across the board.

Now, be aware that you don’t have to stay right at the minimum threshold. Some models have SEER ratings up to 23 or even higher, and while these are more expensive up front, they often bring you thousands in long-term efficiency savings.

Other Measures

It’s also important to remember that SEER rating isn’t the only measure of AC efficiency. There is another measure called EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is similar in many ways – but it can actually be more accurate in certain very hot climates. Ask one of our HVAC pros which test is best for you.

For more on SEER ratings and AC efficiency, or to learn about any of our HVAC repair or services, speak to the staff at All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling today.

Meet the Team

All Hours Plumbing, Heating and Cooling provides affordable plumbing, HVAC, and drain cleaning services in Salt Lake City, UT. We offer 24-hour emergency services and we’re dedicated to providing the absolute highest quality service at the best prices. We don’t overbid, and we don’t underbid with the idea of tacking on hidden fees; we simply give honest prices with honest answers.

Our complete lines of Salt Lake City plumbing and HVAC services include everything from drain cleaning and water heater replacement, to air conditioning repair and furnace maintenance. No matter what you need (or when you need it!), when it comes to your plumbing or HVAC, we have you covered. Reach out to us when you need plumbing or HVAC help, and we’ll show you how easy it can be to get your home’s systems working well again soon!

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We will leave your work area cleaner than when we arrived, or we will pay for a cleaner to come through.
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24/7 Services

No matter when you call us, someone will answer the phone. And once help is on the way, we'll always arrive on time.
    All Hours Plumbing Heating and Cooling honest pricing sticker

    Honest Pricing

    Honest Answers

    We won’t underbid or overbid your project. The price you see on your quote is the price you’ll pay for the work we do.
    All Hours Plumbing Heating and Cooling clean home sticker

    Clean Home

    Guarantee

    We will leave your work area cleaner than when we arrived, or we will pay for a cleaner to come through.
    All Hours Plumbing Heating and Cooling truck with logo sticker

    Always On Time

    24/7 Services

    No matter when you call us, someone will answer the phone. And once help is on the way, we'll always arrive on time.

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