Summer temperatures are right around the corner. This is the time of year when many homeowners are preparing their air conditioners to maintain cool indoor temperatures during summer heat waves.

Air conditioner units are complex machines that utilize an energy source to create cool air. The efficiency of your air conditioner can have a direct impact on your utility costs this summer. SEER ratings can be used to help you find the air conditioner that is best suited to keep your home cool while reducing energy consumption

SEER Ratings

In order to understand why you need to pay attention to the SEER rating on a new air conditioner, you must understand what a SEER rating is. SEER is short for "seasonal energy efficiency ratio."

The SEER number that is assigned to a particular unit lets you know the maximum efficiency of the unit. SEER ratings are calculated by dividing the annual cooling output of an air conditioner by the amount of energy used to create the cool air. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner has the potential to be.

Choosing a SEER Rating

You may be tempted to invest in a new air conditioner with the highest SEER rating available in your area. Unfortunately, this approach could result in you spending more than necessary on your new air conditioning unit. Many factors must be weighed when determining which SEER rating will provide you with the maximum amount of savings.

You should identify the climate conditions in your area, consider how often you run your air conditioner, and think about how much time you spend at home during the hot summer months. Each of these factors can have an effect on the SEER rating that is best for your home.

An experienced HVAC professional, such as those at Dependable Heating & Cooling, will be able to help you choose a new air conditioner with the appropriate SEER rating to maximize efficiency while minimizing installation costs.

Homeowners looking to install new air conditioning units before the heat of summer hits should carefully consider the efficiency of each unit on the market. SEER ratings can provide you with a simple and effective way to compare the potential efficiency of each air conditioner available through your HVAC contractor.

Pick a unit with a SEER rating that is high enough to save you money on your monthly utility expenses while allowing you to enjoy a cool and comfortable interior.