2021 December Newsletter
What does SEER mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. “SEER is representative of how much energy and money the unit requires to operate effectively over a single year. A SEER ratio is determined over the course of a full cooling season. The concept is quite simple. The less energy used by the unit to produce the proper amount of cooling, the higher the SEER rating. The SEER ratio is representative of a unit’s maximum efficiency.”
How can I tell the SEER rating of my unit?
Air conditioning units built 10 to 15 years ago typically have a SEER rating between 8 and 10. The SEER rating of your current unit can typically be found in one of the following ways:
- The yellow and black EnergyGuide sticker pasted on the outdoor unit.
- On split systems the yellow EnergyGuide sticker SEER ratings are typically the minimum rating that the outdoor unit can provide, but actual achieved SEER ratings are based upon the AHRI (American Heating & Refrigeration Institute) system match-up and includes the indoor unit paired with the outdoor condensing unit. These are always much higher than the indicated minimums.
- A piece of paper attached to the air handler, or indoor unit, of your HVAC system.
- The model number of the product typically references the SEER rating. A model number like “XV20i” represents up to 20 SEER.
- Locate the model and serial number of the unit and contact the manufacturer to get the SEER rating.”
Why does a SEER rating matter?
“New energy standards established by the U.S. Department of Energy now require air conditioners to achieve a minimum SEER rating of 13. American Standard Heating and Cooling air conditioners range from 14.5 up to 22 SEER.” In the southwest like Arizona, the minimum required SEER rating is 14.
A higher SEER rating offers higher energy savings and greater indoor comfort for your family.
When is it time to replace your HVAC system?
- Your system is more than 15 years old.
- Your equipment needs frequent repairs & your energy bills are going up.
- Some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.
- Your heating or cooling system is noisy.
Can a higher SEER rating save me money?
“Replacing your older, inefficient air conditioning and heat pump unit with a new Energy Star certified system can reduce your energy use and cooling costs month after month.
Customers can receive a TEP rebate for the purchase and installation of a qualifying high-efficiency unit with early retirement of an existing system or evaporative cooler.”
-tep.com/news/hot-ac-rebates-for-cool-savings/
Hamstra Helping Hands
Hamstra Helping Hands participated in another tree planting event last month. We helped plant 71 trees at 24 different houses in the Las Vistas neighborhood!
