If you’re shopping for a new air conditioner, there are a lot of things to consider. For example, you need to know key metrics like how large the unit is, how much space you need to cool, and how much it will cost. One of the most important things to pay attention to is an AC’s SEER or SEER2 rating. Here’s what to know about SEER ratings and air conditioner efficiency so you can make the smartest purchase for your needs.
SEER Rating Explained
So, what is a SEER rating? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a unit of measurement that tells you how much cooling you get for how much energy a system uses.
Think of it like a car and its fuel efficiency. A car with a high MPG rating can drive more miles on one gallon of gas than a car with a lower MPG rating. The same is true of an air conditioner. An AC with a higher SEER rating can cool more for the same amount of electricity than an AC with a lower SEER rating.
Air conditioner SEER ratings make it easier to understand how effective a unit is and whether it will meet your air conditioning needs.
Read about heat pump systems and how they work
SEER vs. SEER2 Ratings
Both SEER and SEER2 ratings measure the efficiency of a cooling system; however, the method of testing differs for each. SEER2 ratings tend to be more accurate to real-world conditions and are slightly lower than SEER ratings. That said, you can use either rating to choose an energy-efficient cooling system.
What Is a Good SEER Rating?
- 14-15 SEER – This is a baseline SEER rating and is generally the lowest that an AC can be while still meeting federal minimum standards. While they are typically cheaper to purchase, they cost more over time in operating expenses.
- 16-18 SEER – This is a good middle ground for those who want to blend upfront affordability with energy efficiency. These units perform well and usually qualify for energy credits without breaking the bank on long-term costs.
- 19-28 SEER – These units are some of the most efficient currently on the market, so you can get maximum cooling for minimal energy use.
- 29+ SEER – Some Mitsubishi ductless systems have SEER ratings of up to 33, making them ultra-high-efficiency models that provide the best possible performance.
Does a Higher SEER Rating Save Money?
The short answer is yes. The more efficient your air conditioner is, the less power it will use to keep your home or business comfortable. For example, if you have your thermostat set to 72 degrees, a high-SEER unit won’t have to work as hard to keep your space at that temperature.
A lower SEER requires more power to pump refrigerant through the system and run the blower motor to maintain that same temp, which ultimately causes it to use more kilowatt-hours. The result is a higher electric bill with no noticeable difference in comfort. Having an energy-efficient HVAC system means you pay less over the season to keep your space cool (hence the acronym Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).
Why Consider a High-Efficiency Heat Pump
When you hear the word “heat pump,” you might not think of air conditioning. But these sophisticated systems are designed to work as both a heater and an AC, which makes cooling your space as easy as flipping a switch.
Contrary to popular belief though, not all mini-splits are created the same. Mitsubishi heat pump efficiency leads the market with some of the highest SEER ratings in the industry. Choosing a Mitsubishi ductless system means you’re investing in quality, time-tested operation, and strong manufacturer warranties.
That’s why New England Heat Pump Co. only installs and maintains Mitsubishi ductless units. We know how these systems perform and trust the Mitsubishi name to deliver.
Explore how switching to ductless saves energy
Get Energy-Efficient Cooling Today with New England Heat Pump Co.
If you want a high SEER-rated air conditioner, ductless is the way to go. At New England Heat Pump Co., we can help you go over your options and select a unit that provides you with the cost-effective cooling you need without exceeding your budget. We can also help you navigate the process of energy credits and rebates so you can save even more by switching to energy-efficient air conditioning.
Contact us today to get started by calling (781) 443-9911.
