If you’re looking to lower the cost of keeping your home comfortable year-round, you need an energy-efficient HVAC system. And to find the most efficient model for your needs, you should understand SEER ratings.
Below, we explore what a SEER rating is and provide important info for homeowners.
Defining SEER Ratings
SEER is an acronym meaning Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It qualifies how efficiently an HVAC system (such as an AC unit or heat pump) operates over an entire cooling season.
Essentially, higher SEER ratings denote more energy-efficient systems. This efficiency is calculated by dividing the cooling output of the system (in BTUs) by the amount of energy it consumes (in watt-hours).
SEER ratings can range anywhere from 13 to upward of 30 for modern high-efficiency models.
Benefits of High SEER Ratings
Investing in an HVAC system with a high SEER rating comes with plenty of advantages. First and foremost, it lowers your energy consumption, which means a noticeable reduction in your monthly utility bills.
Less energy usage also translates to a smaller carbon footprint, making high-SEER systems more environmentally friendly. Beyond cost savings and environmental benefits, high-SEER systems often provide better comfort.
They come with variable-speed motors, smart thermostats, and similar high-tech features that help you optimally regulate indoor temperatures. You’ll enjoy a consistent and pleasant climate in your home without the frequent on-and-off cycling that less efficient systems tend to experience.
Lastly, many high-SEER systems qualify for rebates or tax incentives, further offsetting the upfront cost of upgrading to a more efficient model.
Devices With the Highest SEER Ratings
When exploring devices with the best SEER ratings, it’s hard to ignore the energy efficiency of ductless mini split systems. These units are known for their exceptional SEER ratings, which often exceed those of traditional central AC systems.
In fact, a mini split can be more efficient than whole-house AC because it cools specific zones rather than the entire home, reducing wasted energy. Some of the highest SEER ratings on the market belong to advanced inverter technology-based mini splits, with some models achieving SEER ratings as high as 30.
On the other hand, whole-house central air systems typically max out around 21–25 SEER.
Whether you’re upgrading your AC or considering a new heat pump, it’s essential to understand what a SEER rating is. Knowing this key metric can guide your decision-making and ensure you pick a system that meets both your comfort and energy-efficiency needs.