Choosing an energy-efficient cooling system can help you keep your utility bills lower in Bradenton, Florida. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, is one of the most important benchmarks for comparing the energy efficiency of HVAC systems. Understanding this rating system can help you select the right AC system for your needs and your budget. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Bradenton, we can help you find the best solutions for heating and cooling your home efficiently. Our HVAC technicians have the experience and proven know-how you need to maintain indoor comfort during every season of the year.
What Is SEER?
The SEER rating of a cooling system is its total cooling output divided by its energy use over the course of an entire season. Systems with higher SEER ratings are more efficient and can usually produce lower utility bills. This can add up to real savings over the course of a cooling season and the life of the AC unit. SEER and SEER2 ratings are designed to provide a point of comparison between cooling systems that can help consumers choose the right options for their needs.
How SEER Is Calculated
In the United States, SEER is calculated by dividing the total BTUs of heat removed from indoor air by the watt-hours of energy used over the course of an entire cooling system. SEER ratings must be displayed on new systems prior to sale and are an important measure of energy efficiency for these systems.
The History of SEER Ratings
SEER ratings went into widespread use in the 1970s as a way of comparing the energy efficiency of cooling systems, including air conditioners and heat pumps. The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 established a minimum SEER rating of 10 for all new heat pumps and air conditioners manufactured on or after January 1, 1992. The required SEER ratings for new HVAC equipment have increased over time to reduce their impact on the environment and their energy consumption.
What Is the Difference Between SEER and SEER2?
SEER2 was introduced by the U.S. Department of Energy in January 2023 as the newest standard for measuring and comparing energy efficiency for heat pumps and air conditioners. The testing methods used to evaluate cooling equipment were adjusted to incorporate factors that can affect efficiency in real-world situations, including fan power, heating loads, and air handler static pressure readings. As a result, SEER2 ratings are somewhat lower than comparable SEER ratings while representing the same level of performance and energy efficiency. By incorporating a wider range of testing conditions and temperature ranges, SEER2 ratings offer much greater accuracy in calculating energy efficiency for air conditioning systems and heat pumps. This can ensure that you have the best information available when choosing a new cooling system for your Bradenton home.
Current SEER2 Requirements
In 2023, new Department of Energy regulations went into effect that increased the required efficiency of new systems sold in the United States. Heat pumps must now meet a minimum SEER rating of 14 across the United States. For split-system air conditioners, however, the United States was divided into three geographical areas:
- North: AC systems sold and installed in the northern part of the United States must achieve a minimum SEER2 rating of 13.4. HVAC companies can still sell and install non-compliant stock they already have on hand.
- Southwest: In the southwest region of the United States, split-system AC units with certified cooling capacity of less than 45,000 BTU/hour must have a minimum 14.3 SEER2 rating. Systems over 45,000 BTU/hour must achieve a 13.8 SEER2 rating. This applies to all systems installed and sold after January 1, 2023.
- South: In Bradenton, Florida and the rest of the South geographical region, a 14.3 SEER2 rating is required for systems with certified cooling capacities of less than 45,000 BTU/hour. Larger systems that produce more than 45,000 BTU/hour must have a SEER2 rating of 13.8 or higher.
These requirements are intended to reduce overall energy consumption by ensuring that residential and commercial cooling systems are as efficient as possible. Higher SEER and SEER2 ratings benefit the environment by reducing carbon emissions caused by fossil fuel consumption, which can play a role in addressing or reversing climate change. Working with a trusted HVAC company can help you to choose the system that best suits your needs and your budget.
Why SEER and SEER2 Ratings Matter
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that heating and cooling accounts for more than half the energy used by the average family in a year. Reducing the energy expenditure associated with cooling your home in summer can significantly reduce your utility bills and can save you money over the course of a year.
Energy-efficient AC systems can also reduce the environmental impact of cooling your home in Bradenton, Florida. By using less energy, you can have a positive effect on the local ecosystem while maintaining comfortable temperatures indoors. The right AC installation can help you and your family think green while staying cool all year round.
The Right HVAC Company Makes a Difference
Even the most efficient HVAC system cannot perform properly without professional installation, maintenance, and support. Working with the right HVAC company can allow you to enjoy cool temperatures and reliable cooling throughout the summer months. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we can design and install an energy-efficient AC system that will meet your needs now and in the future. By working with our team, you can feel confident that your system is properly installed and that it will perform as expected for many years to come.
The friendly and experienced HVAC technicians at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Bradenton, Florida have the experience and the expertise necessary to help you find the best cooling solutions for your needs. We offer transparent pricing and a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee for the work we perform for our customers. If you would like more information on SEER, SEER2 or any of our HVAC services, call us today. We look forward to the chance to serve you.