As a homeowner, you want to make sure that your home is as energy efficient as possible. One way to do this is to check the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of your appliances. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the appliance. In this guide, we’ll explain what SEER ratings are and how they can help you save money on your energy bill.

What Is a SEER Rating?

In simple terms, a SEER rating is a measure of an appliance’s maximum energy efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the appliance.

Many different types of appliances are given SEER ratings, including air conditioners and heat pumps. You’ll find this rating listed on the appliance’s Energy Guide label.

Appliances with high SEER ratings use less energy to do the same amount of work as appliances with lower SEER ratings. This is because they have more efficient compressors and motors.

How SEER Ratings Are Calculated

SEER ratings are calculated by dividing the appliance’s energy output by its energy input. The higher the ratio, the more efficient the appliance.

The energy output of an appliance is measured in British thermal units (BTUs). The energy input of an appliance is measured in watts. To calculate the SEER rating of an appliance, you need to divide the appliance’s energy output (measured in BTUs) by its energy input (measured in watts).

The resulting number is the appliance’s SEER rating. For example, if an appliance has a BTU output of 1000 and a wattage input of 100, its SEER rating would be 10.

Benefits of Having a High SEER Rating

Let’s say that an air conditioner has a SEER rating of 10. This means that it uses 10 units of energy to produce one unit of cooling. In contrast, a SEER rating of 20 means that the air conditioner uses only five units of energy to produce the same amount of cooling.

How does this apply to you? A higher SEER rating means that an appliance will use less energy to do the same amount of work. This translates into savings on your energy bill.

In addition, appliances with high SEER ratings tend to have a longer lifespan than those with lower SEER ratings. This is because their more efficient compressors and motors put less stress on the appliance overall.

Another benefit of having a high SEER rating is a lower environmental impact. Because these appliances use less energy to function, they generate fewer emissions. This is better for the environment and can help you reduce your carbon footprint. You may even be eligible for certain tax breaks if you have a high SEER rating appliance.

Choosing an Appliance With a High SEER Rating

When shopping for a new appliance, always check the SEER rating. Generally, you’ll want to choose the appliance with the highest possible SEER rating without going outside of your budget.

Do some research ahead of time so that you know what kind of SEER rating is available for the type of appliance you need. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the most efficient appliance possible.

For air conditioners, you’ll want to stick to a SEER rating of at least 14. Air conditioning units can have SEER ratings of up to 22, but the average is around 16.

A similar range applies when shopping for a heat pump. For either HVAC appliance, an exceptionally efficient model will have a SEER rating of at least 18. However, these models can be prohibitively expensive for many homeowners. A SEER rating of approximately 16 will generally give you the best balance of affordability and efficiency.

Turn to Our Experts

The SEER rating can tell you a lot about an appliance, but it’s just one factor to consider. To choose the best air conditioner or heat pump for your home, you’ll want to work with a team of heating and cooling professionals.

When you turn to Bruce Mechanical, our experts will help you choose the right air conditioner or heat pump for your Denver, CO home based on a variety of factors. We’ll also handle the installation process so that you can be sure that your new appliance is set up correctly and ready to provide years of efficient comfort. And if your unit needs any maintenance or repairs during its lifespan, we can help with that too. We also offer a full range of heating services, indoor air quality solutions, fireplaces, and new construction HVAC.

Don’t wait to get started on finding the perfect air conditioner or heat pump for your home. Call Bruce Mechanical today to schedule an appointment.