If you’re looking for a new air conditioner, you’re probably looking for something energy efficient that will be worth the money. However, with all the different AC terms, it can be hard to figure out what an AC is capable of. One of these confusing terms that you’ll likely come across is SEER2.
Here at Comfort Boys Service Company, we want to make the AC buying process as simple as possible. We’ll break down what SEER2 is and how you can use this rating to determine the energy efficiency of an air conditioner.
What Does SEER2 Stand For?
SEER is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Due to changing testing standards, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently changed SEER to SEER2.
Despite the slight name change, SEER and SEER2 determine the same thing: the energy efficiency of your AC. The rating represents how much energy is required to use an AC unit. If the rating is higher, the AC is more efficient.
How Do I Find An Efficient AC Using SEER2?
As you look for an efficient AC, you may be wondering what SEER2 rating you should look for. The minimum rating varies by what region of the United States you reside in and how many BTUs your system uses.
Texas is located in the Southeast location. This means that ACs with 45,000 BTUs or less need to have a SEER2 rating of 14.3. However, systems that use more BTUs can have a rating of 13.8.
When installing a new AC system, you are able to choose whether you want a higher SEER2 rating. Remember: the higher the rating, the more efficient the system. If you’re wondering what rating you should look for, you’ll need to consider a few factors:
- Budget
- Existing ductwork
- Climate
Typically, AC units with a higher rating are more expensive to purchase, but less expensive to run because of their high energy efficiency.
It’s important to remember that even if you purchase an AC unit with a high SEER2 rating, it may not perform very well. Factors like your home’s insulation and the quality of your ductwork will heavily influence the performance of your AC. It’s best to address any threats to energy efficiency before installing a new system.
What Do SEER2 Ratings Have To Do With Climate?
Climate is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an AC system. In cooler climates, a lower SEER2 rating is usually acceptable. However, hotter climates in places like San Antonio may have homeowners wanting a higher rating for maximum comfort.
Of course, comfort is subjective. If you hate feeling hot, an efficient AC with a higher rating might help you feel cooler at home. Similarly, if you love the heat, don’t stress too much about buying an AC with a higher SEER2 rating.
How Do I Choose The SEER2 Rating That’s Best For Me?
A SEER2 rating isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll need to consider your budget, the climate you live in, and the quality of your home’s ductwork and insulation before making a decision. This is where hiring a professional AC technician can come in handy. They can work with you to answer any questions and determine what the best choice is for your home.
Contact Comfort Boys For San Antonio AC Service
At Comfort Boys Service Company, we perform professional AC installations and consultations. We’re here for all your San Antonio AC services, so if you need some help figuring out which AC to purchase, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
