July 20, 2023
What Is the Right SEER Rating for Your HVAC System in St. Louis, Missouri?
As the summer temperatures rise in St. Louis, having a reliable and efficient HVAC system is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable. But what kind of system do you need, and what SEER rating is right for you? SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure of your HVAC system’s efficiency; often, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. Read on to learn more about SEER ratings and how to find the right HVAC system for your home.
Understanding SEER Ratings
The SEER rating determines how effective an air conditioner is by calculating the total cooling output during a normal season and dividing it by the total energy consumed during the same period. SEER ratings for central air conditioners are mandated by the government to be no less than 13, while greater ratings can be attained with certain models. To help you assess and compare air conditioner systems before your AC installation, the EnergyGuide label shows how one unit compares to others regarding energy usage.
Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings are often more costly than those with lower ratings. A higher SEER rating, on the other hand, results in lower monthly energy expenditures because these systems demand less electricity to run. When looking for a new system, you must consider your needs and your budget to select the ideal system.
Professional contractors are an excellent resource for correctly assessing an individual’s needs when selecting an air conditioner system and can also provide advice on SEER ratings and energy usage. Scott-Lee Heating Company offers a free quotation and will guide you through the SEER rating alternatives. We serve St. Louis, Wentzville, Kirkwood, and the surrounding areas.
How to Choose the Right SEER Rating for Your Home
With so many SEER ratings, how do you know which one is right for your home in St. Louis? At Scott-Lee Heating Company, we recommend our customers consider several factors when choosing the right SEER rating.
1. Consider the Cost
When determining a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for a house air conditioner, it is critical to consider the cost. The greater the SEER rating, the higher the upfront cost of the unit. Single-stage air conditioners, for example, normally vary from 13 to 16 SEER, whereas two-stage air conditioners range from 16-20 SEER, and variable-capacity compressors can range from 19-26 SEER. Calculate the yearly cost of energy use to help you decide which SEER rating is appropriate for your home.
It’s useful to do calculations and compare the costs of a 13 SEER AC unit to a 16 SEER unit, for example. Divide the BTU by the SEER to get the wattage. Watts divided by 1,000 equals kilowatt hours. Hours of operation annually multiplied by the kilowatt hours equals total kilowatt hours. And finally, multiply the total kilowatt hours by the cost of kilowatt hours to get the annual cost for each SEER rating.
Due to the amount of time it would take to recuperate the cost of the unit, investing in a higher SEER rating is unlikely to result in a return on investment for households staying there for less than five years. Remember to look for Energy Credits or Manufacturer Rebates that may be available regularly to reduce total costs and maybe increase the number of years to return the investment.
2. Consider Functionality
The air conditioner’s practical capabilities should also be taken into account. Single-stage air conditioners tend to operate at maximum efficiency and cycle on and off more often, which might lead to uneven temperatures around the house. Even in the summer, humidity will be present in the air since the unit won’t be able to remove moisture as effectively. Two-stage air conditioners feature a “low” and “high” capacity, which enables them to operate at a low capacity most of the time and produce more stable temperatures and better humidity management.
Depending on the model, variable-capacity compressors may modulate their speed from 25% to 100%. Maintaining a comfortable and balanced environment enables the air conditioner or heat pump to operate precisely at the capacity required. Similarly, the blower can affect the comfort of the environment when it is partnered with a two-stage or variable-capacity compressor. Single-stage blowers often provide inconsistent air flow, but two-stage and variable-speed blowers are intended to improve interior comfort.
You may need to do some research about how each rating functions before finding the correct SEER rating for your home. Generally, a unit’s capabilities and a home’s comfort level improve with a higher SEER rating.
3. Consider Long-Term Benefits
Consider the long-term benefits when deciding on the appropriate SEER rating for your home. Although a higher SEER rating may cost more, the energy savings over time are generally worth it. That is why it is critical to examine how long you want to stay in your house and if it is worth the investment now or later.
You may make an educated selection by doing the arithmetic and calculating how much you could save over several years. If you’re concerned about your home’s lifetime, consider the comfort it provides.
For a 13 SEER unit, for example, 6000 BTU divided by 13 SEER = 2769 Watts. Then multiply that figure by 1000 to get 2.8Kwh. Then, multiply 2500 hours of yearly operation by 2.8 Kwh, which equals 7000Kwh. Finally, increase it by.147 (the cost of Kwh) to get an annual cost of $1029.
4. Utilize Available Credits and Rebates
As mentioned, it is a good idea to ask your utility company and the manufacturer of your air conditioner if they offer any manufacturer rebates or prospective energy credits. These deals might affect how much it will ultimately cost and how long it will take to return your investment.
Benefits of Higher SEER Ratings
Higher SEER ratings can result in considerable energy bill reductions. You may save up to 50% on energy bills by upgrading from an 8 SEER unit to a 16 SEER one. Furthermore, government subsidies and manufacturer rebates are frequently available to assist in covering the cost of a high-efficiency system.
Higher SEER ratings not only save money over time, but systems with higher SEER ratings have a better environmental impact. Fewer fossil fuels are burned when less energy is used, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Finally, high-efficiency systems can effectively remove moisture from the air, resulting in a more pleasant atmosphere. This aids in preventing mold and other airborne issues.
HVAC Services in St Louis
Whatever your SEER rating needs, Scott-Lee Heating Company has a team of experienced technicians who can help. We have been in business for over 40 years, and we offer various air conditioning services. Including AC and heating installations, repairs, emergency services, and routine maintenance. Our technicians are on standby 365 days a year. We are a veteran-owned company and we have won the Dave Lennox Award 26 times! We can also guarantee service within 24 hours.
Contact Scott-Lee Heating Company today to learn more about the best heating and cooling options for your St. Louis home.