Understanding SEER Ratings in Dwight, IL

With sweltering summer heat about to hit Dwight, IL, you may feel rushed to decide on a new cooling system purchase. However, if you understand SEER ratings and how they may affect your air conditioner purchase decision, it can help you make an informed decision.

Definition of Air Conditioner SEER Ratings

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rates how efficient an air conditioner is by calculating the cooling output needed to keep a home comfortable during a warm season and dividing it by the energy used during the same period. A higher SEER means a more efficient air conditioner and lower utility bills.

The rating also gives the buyer a way to understand how the purchase price of a cooling system relates to its energy efficiency. More efficient systems are usually more expensive.

Interpreting SEER Ratings

A 14 SEER rating meets the minimum efficiency required by law in Illinois. While at the bottom end of the range, this rating is still relatively cost-effective compared to older systems with SEER ratings that are often as low as 8 or 9. Air conditioners closer to the top of the spectrum, with a 17-20 SEER rating, are even more energy-efficient and include deluxe features but come with a higher price tag.

Is a Higher SEER Rating Worth the Extra Expense?

For most people, choosing an air conditioner with a SEER between 15 and 18 is a good balance between the system’s price tag and future savings on utility costs. How much you’ll save on utility bills by purchasing a system with a higher rating depends on many factors, such as how much you pay for electricity and what it’s currently costing you to cool your home. The extra expense for a premium system may be justifiable if reducing your carbon footprint and advanced features are important to you.

Finding the sweet spot between a more expensive cooling system with a higher SEER rating and what you might save on utility costs can be difficult. Give the professionals at Popejoy Plumbing, Heating, Electric, and Geothermal a call today, and we will gladly help you choose the air conditioner that makes the most sense for you and your family.

Image provided by iStock