AC Installation Español
Menu
What is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?
Book Now
Book Now
Blog 09/9/19

What is a Good SEER Rating for an Air Conditioner?

If you are looking to install a new HVAC system or upgrade an existing unit, you may be noticing quite a few references to a SEER rating.  A SEER rating can help you decide what unit or HVAC system is best for your home and the most energy efficient. Along with a Bill Howe Comfort Adviser, you can make an informed decision as to what type of HVAC system will work best for your home and budget.

What is a SEER rating?

When you are beginning the decision process for a new HVAC unit, a SEER rating will be included in the information about the unit.  SEER is short for, “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.” A SEER rating is the cooling output of an air conditioner over an average cooling season divided by the energy the unit consumed in watt-hours. A SEER rating is very similar to a car’s MPG, so understanding SEER ratings can be beneficial to be sure you purchase the right HVAC unit. Like an MPG, a SEER value is your air conditioner’s ideal rating and may fluctuate depending on conditions. How often you run your A/C, how hot it is outside of your home, and humidity levels all affect how hard your air conditioner will need to work in order to maintain a comfortable indoor air temperature. Most modern air conditioners have a SEER value ranging from 13 to 14 up to 21 – 25. With maximum efficiency being at the forefront of California’s culture, the minimum acceptable SEER value is 14. With newer air conditioning units, depending on how old your current air conditioner is, you will see a higher improvement in efficiency.  A newer air conditioner will not only decrease the cost of your energy bills but will cool your home more effectively as well.  

Types of  Air Conditioners

Another thing to consider when installing a new air conditioner is which type of unit would be most efficient at creating the most comfortable indoor temperature for your space.  

A mini-split system is great for a room or area that cannot be accessed by a package or central air conditioner. These cooling systems are great options for units that are separate from the main residence. A mini-split system works by having both an indoor and outdoor unit. It draws in hot air from within the room, cools it within the unit, then blows the cold air back into the room. Mini-split models can even be set up to cool multiple rooms. Of course, mini-split systems can be installed and maintained by a certified Bill Howe technician.  

A central air conditioner requires ducts, but can simultaneously cool multiple rooms in your home with higher efficiency. These are great for homes where you would like to create a comfortable environment throughout the home while only having to use one unit. Like the mini-split, central air conditioners remove heat from your home, cool it down in the outdoor unit, then blow the newly cold air back into your home. Installation of these units require a higher upfront cost than mini-splits, but create household comfort, are efficient, and relatively quiet. With years of experience under our belt, you can count on Bill Howe Heating & Air to properly install a central air conditioner at your residential or commercial property.

A package system works very similarly to a central air conditioner except that the package system also houses a heating system. These are great options for properties that do not have a lot of space.  Package systems are located either on the roof or on the side of a building. Like a central air conditioner, these require ducts which makes the upfront cost of installation on the pricier side. Since the heating and air conditioning elements are housed in the same location, maintenance will be a breeze. Package systems work by removing heat from your property, cooling it down, then blowing it back inside as cold air.  Expert Bill Howe technicians can install and maintain package systems effortlessly.

Once you meet with a Bill Howe Heating & Air Comfort Adviser, you can decide what type of system and SEER value will work best for you and your family so that you become the most energy-efficient homeowners in town. When you’re ready to install a new HVAC unit to improve your energy-efficiency, call 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469).

Comments

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

how to fix a running toilet
Blog

How to Fix a Running Toilet

If  your toilet won’t stop running, you will unfortunately end up with a larger water bill than expected. However, it’s easy to learn how to fix a running toilet and take care of the...

2 weeks ago Share Icon
Read More

What David says about us

Service for new garbage disposal. My ancient garbage disposal quit working, went online to get Bill Howe’s number, immediately received and accepted chat to describe my needs. Prompt call back to schedule an appointment, service tech Allen was out same morning, which was important to fit my work schedule. Job estimate was clear, work done fully to my expectations, area left clean, and price was very fair.
I was not surprised — I have used Bill Howe plumbers for several other tasks in the past. I have always found their staff to be helpful, attentive, and the plumbers very courteous and capable.

January 2020

Plumbing

What Michelle says about us

I have been using Bill Howe since the late 1980’s, their service has always been excellent, plumbing, heating and restoration. I am most impressed by the integrity of their employees, not only do they know their work/skill, they do not waste time, they are so efficient, they are so helpful and they are a true “service”!

February 2020

Plumbing

What Mira says about us

Bill Howe never fails us! We had a drain overflow, and Scott came (on a Saturday) to look at it and offer solution. He was punctual, professional, and extremely helpful. I should also praise the main office for always being helpful and always finding solutions. Very grateful to have you in San Diego!

February 2020

Restoration & Flood

What Ed Gohlich says about us

Cory was our technician on this job. We had a time sensitive repair issue and Bill Howe understood and assisted with getting the job done quickly.
Cory was on time to start the job and finished it quickly. Upon his leaving our home he’s was courteous, very knowledgeable, explaining what the problem was and how he fixed it. Very good communication and this is the way it’s has always been when we use Bill Howe plumbing.
Great company to work with.
Thanks Cory.
Ed

August 2019

Heating & Cooling

What Eric says about us

I had a shower that would not drain. The employee arrived on time and fixed the problem quickly and effectively at a very fair price. I was very happy with everything. Thank you and I highly recommend your plumbing service.

January 2019

Plumbing

What Bridgett says about us

I am extremely happy with the service we received from Bill Howe Plumbing. We were given an incorrect diagnosis of our main sewer line from another vendor, but Bill Howe’s servicemen came out for a second opinion, correctly diagnosed our problem and resolved our back up issues. We will continue to use Bill Howe for all our future plumbing needs!

Thank you Bill Howe Plumbing.

July 2019

Plumbing