What Is a SEER Rating and Why Does it Matter for Your Home?

As a homeowner, HVAC efficiency is at the top of mind. Understanding how SEER ratings work is the best way to stay comfortable, save money, and make informed decisions about your HVAC system.

What Is a SEER Rating?

A SEER rating is a measurement that gauges an HVAC system’s efficiency. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This method tells you your system’s cooling output.
If your system has a high SEER rating, it means that it is more energy-efficient, whereas a low SEER rating indicates that it uses a lot of electricity.

Understanding SEER Ratings

SEER 13–15: Standard Efficiency

While a system with an HVAC SEER rating of 13–15 meets the minimum federal requirements, this ranking is extremely low. Typically, units have a SEER of 13–15 if they are older or entry-level. They may come with lower costs, but your monthly energy bills will likely be higher.

SEER 16–18: Mid-Range Efficiency

A mid-range efficiency unit comes with a good balance of cost vs. long-term savings. It is more efficient, provides better temperature control, and is a popular choice for homeowners who live in areas with warm summers.

SEER 19–21: High Efficiency

Systems with this high ranking offer superior humidity control and comfort. They run quietly in the background and will likely lower energy bills.

SEER 22+: Premium Efficiency

Any system with a SEER 22+ is considered to be the top-of-the-line in HVAC technology. It will deliver energy savings and maximum comfort, and may even qualify for rebates and tax credits.

How Do SEER Ratings Affect Your Home?

A SEER rating directly impacts your home’s comfort, energy use, and resale value. Understanding your home’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio is a necessary part of being a responsible homeowner.

Consistent Indoor Comfort

If you have an older or low-efficiency system, then it may struggle with uneven temperature control. When your system has a high HVAC SEER rating, it typically runs at a lower speed for a longer cycle.

Systems with high SEER ratings offer enhanced humidity control, especially during the summer. They also lessen cold and hot spots between rooms, providing your home with a more comfortable temperature.

Reduced Monthly Energy Bills

A high SEER rating means your system produces more cooling power while requiring less electricity. With a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio, you will likely reduce monthly energy bills.

Better Indoor Air Quality

With higher SEER ratings, systems have steadier cycles and run longer. Rather than turning on and off frequently, they circulate air more effectively. Therefore, if you have asthma or allergies, a system with a high HVAC SEER rating can make a huge difference.

Quieter Performance

Nobody wants to deal with a noisy HVAC. Units with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio are much quieter because they are built with sound-dampening technology and quiet compressors. They run smoothly, meaning your home will stay comfortable without excessive noise.

Increased Home Resale Value

Potential buyers are more attracted to homes with energy-efficient HVAC systems because they won’t have to worry about replacing the unit in the near future. Investing in a unit with a high HVAC SEER rating can pay off further down the road.

Contact Green Heating, Cooling & Electric to Learn More About SEER Rating Meanings Today!

At Green Heating, Cooling & Electric, we specialize in high-efficiency systems. Our team will help you understand SEER rating meanings so that you can make the best decision for your home.