A/C Designs of St. Augustine, LLC Blog: Posts Tagged ‘seer rating’

2023 Changes to SEER Ratings

Thursday, December 15th, 2022

Air conditioner efficiency ratings are changing in 2023. As of January 1st, 2023, all SEER ratings will be replaced with SEER2 ratings. These new regulations will vary by region and positively impact the environment due to their enhanced efficiency.

Moving to SEER2 ratings will change many things regarding energy consumption, utility bills, replacement part availability and more. At AC Designs, we’re here to teach you everything you need to know about upcoming SEER rating changes. That way you can make informed decisions when purchasing a new unit for your home.

What Are SEER Ratings?

Your unit’s SEER rating measures its seasonal energy efficiency ratio. In most cases, the number can be found on your unit’s yellow energy guide sticker.

It is calculated by dividing your home’s annual cooling output during the cooling season by the total electric energy input. Air conditioning units with higher SEER ratings often use less energy to cool your home effectively, which results in lower monthly utility bills.

The standard minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is currently 13, and most modern units fall between 13 and 21. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy will raise the minimum efficiency requirements for central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps.

New Changes to SEER Ratings

SEER2 is an updated method of measuring your unit’s efficiency that uses a different testing procedure. The updated rating can be calculated by dividing the cooling output by the total electric energy input of your unit.

Beginning in 2023, the minimum SEER rating will increase by different amounts based on the region in the United States. SEER2 ratings are based on your unit’s number of British Thermal Units (BTU). BTU is a measurement of your unit’s cooling power and can be determined by an AC professional.

In Southeastern states like Florida, the minimum SEER rating will increase from 14 to 15 for AC units with a cooling output below 45,000 BTU. Units with 45,000 BTU or higher cooling capacity will have a minimum of 14.5 SEER rating in 2023. This increase in efficiency will allow homeowners to use less electricity for the same amount of cooling.

While greater AC efficiency will have its benefits, these changes could result in price increases on new units as homeowners go to make a replacement. It also means that individuals with older units could find it more difficult to replace parts on older, outdated systems.

Benefits of Purchasing a New AC Unit in 2023

With improvements to new unit efficiency in the new year, it’s a great time for homeowners to invest in a new unit. Investing in a new unit can improve the air quality within your home and lower your utility bills as efficiency increases.

Overall, a new unit with a higher SEER2 rating will reduce your energy consumption. In addition to environmental benefits, upgrading the latest technology will decrease your risk of breakdowns or costly air conditioning maintenance.

Schedule a Free In-Home Estimate in Jacksonville, FL

As SEER2 ratings shift towards higher efficiency standards in 2023, let your home AC system do the same. Work with our trusted HVAC company to find the perfect new unit for your home and avoid costly bills and repairs. Schedule an appointment with AC Designs to install your new highly-efficient unit today.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Efficiency, SEER, seer rating, SEER2
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How to Choose a Long-Lasting AC Unit

Wednesday, November 9th, 2022

Purchasing a new air conditioning unit is a big investment. That’s why it is important for homeowners to choose the right type, size and SEER rating to ensure that their new HVAC functions properly throughout its intended lifespan. Homeowners must also learn the proper ways to maintain their units to last for years to come. At AC Designs, our experienced technicians are here to educate you on the different types of long-lasting AC units and how to take care of them.

Finding the Right Unit for Your Home

When shopping for a new unit, there are multiple types to consider to ensure the system is right for your home. Choose from ducted central air systems, mini-split systems or window units based on your budget and the size of your home.

You should also consider additional add-ons that your home may require, such as dehumidifiers to improve indoor air quality. Some homes may also benefit from REME halo units to reduce pollutants and pathogens or UV germicidal lights to remove contaminants.

Ducted Central-Air Systems

Ducted systems evenly distribute air throughout your home using ducts and are known to save both money and energy. While installation can be expensive, ducted central-air systems make it easy to control your entire home’s temperature and are a dependable, long-lasting option.

Mini-Split Systems

Mini-split systems, or ductless ac units, are more affordable options that do not require full-sized ducts to cool your home. Instead, cool air is distributed through multiple indoor units that connect to a master compressor. With the ability to heat or cool specific rooms as needed, this option can be more energy efficient than ducted systems.

Window Units

While window units are the easiest AC system to install, consider the size of your home before choosing this option. Bigger homes typically require several units, which can result in an unnecessarily high expense. Multiple units operating at once can also result in abnormally high electric bills each month.

The Best SEER Rating for Your Home

The SEER rating of your AC unit can have a significant impact on how efficiently it operates. If your unit isn’t running effectively due to a low SEER rating, you may encounter a greater need for repairs, which can shorten your system’s lifespan.

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings are calculated by dividing your home’s annual cooling output during the cooling season by the total electric energy input. Air conditioning units with higher SEER ratings often use less energy to cool your home effectively, which results in lower monthly bills.

The minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is currently 13, and most modern units fall between 13 and 21. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy will raise the minimum efficiency requirements for central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps.

The minimum SEER rating for AC units and heat pumps is expected to increase from 13 to 14 in northern states and 14 to 15 in southern states. This increase in efficiency will allow homeowners to use less electricity for the same amount of cooling.

Ways to Make Your AC Unit Last Longer

The best way to ensure your unit is long-lasting is to ensure that it is properly maintained. It is important to replace air filters frequently and schedule regular AC maintenance at least once a year to check for inefficiencies.

Homeowners should also clean their unit’s ducts to ensure that the system is operating properly without blockages from debris or other particles. Check for leaks often to catch them early and avoid costly damages if left unattended.

AC Design’s preferred customer maintenance program can provide you with all services necessary to keep your unit functioning efficiently. We offer two pre-scheduled system checks per year, in addition to priority scheduling and replacement, after-hours emergency service, discounts and more.

When investing in a new, long-lasting AC unit, consider the needs of your budget, family and home. No matter the system you choose, it is important to perform regular maintenance to ensure that your new unit is prepared to last for years. Schedule a maintenance appointment with the experienced AC technicians at AC Designs today.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Ductless Air Conditioning, extend AC unit life, HVAC Technicians, seer rating
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SEER Ratings: What You Need to Know

Monday, September 20th, 2021

There are many factors to consider when shopping for a new A/C unit. Choosing the right unit for your home relies on many factors. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t understand the importance of choosing the right SEER rating for their homes. Here’s what you need to know about SEER ratings in order to choose the most efficient air conditioning system for your home.

What is a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The rating is created by calculating the annual cooling output during the cooling season divided by the total electric energy input. An air conditioner unit with a higher SEER rating typically uses less electricity to set your home at a comfortable temperature. When a unit uses less electricity, it will reduce your energy and gas bill.

What is a Good SEER Rating?

The minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is 13. Most modern air conditioners have a SEER rating that ranges from 13 to 21. Although a higher SEER rating does typically equate to better efficiency, it does not mean you need to choose a unit with the highest rating.

A 20 SEER rated unit could be too large to efficiently cool your house will likely underperform when compared to an appropriately-sized unit. A SEER rating indicates your unit’s maximum potential. Your unit will not always run at this rating, so it’s important to be aware of the unit’s average SEER performance to properly determine the unit’s efficiency. You can typically find a sticker on the side of your condenser indicating the average SEER performance ratings. Reach out to A/C Designs if you’re unsure of where your sticker is located, it could be missing or damaged.

How Do I Choose a SEER Rating?

On average, a good rating for residential air conditioners ranges from 14 to 16 SEER. In order to choose the right rating, you will need to consider various factors. Take into consideration your budget, the size of your home, and how often you run the A/C. A/C Designs’ NATE-certified HVAC technicians can help you determine the most appropriate SEER rating for your home.

A SEER rating is just one of the many factors to consider when shopping for a new HVAC unit. Finding the perfect unit to fit your comfort and budget is made simple when you book with A/C Designs. Schedule an appointment today to begin discussing your new unit installation in Jacksonville, FL.

Tags: A/C Designs, ac company jacksonville, AC Installation, ac issues, seer rating
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What’s a SEER Rating—And What Does It Mean?

Monday, May 13th, 2019

If you’re like many homeowners, you probably don’t give much thought to your air conditioner until it stops working. But when you’re unexpectedly left with no choice but to install a new a/c unit, the SEER rating is an important factor you’ll need to consider when making the best choice for your home.

Tags: ac install, AC Installation, ac system, AC unit, Air Conditioning Installation, Air Conditioning Replacement, air conditioning system, hvac installation, SEER, seer rating
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SEER Ratings and Money Savings

Friday, May 18th, 2018

Florida summers mean you count on your air conditioning system to keep you cool and comfortable. This is something that makes the hot weather bearable — even if your electric bill makes you cringe. But, your bill doesn’t have to keep climbing along with the temperature outside. You can keep your home cool and your utilities under control with an energy efficient, or high SEER rating, unit.

Tags: A/C Designs, energy efficient, seer rating, seer ratings
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