What Does SEER Rating Mean for Your HVAC System?

Is your home in need of an HVAC upgrade?

Your HVAC system is a vital part of making sure that your home stays:

  • Cool in the summer 🧊
  • Warm in the winter 🔥
  • Moisture and mold-free 🚫
  • Free of irritating airborne allergens 🤧

If your current system isn’t helping you do this, it may be time to consider purchasing a new one. But with so many makes and models to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? We’ll give you a hint, it all comes down to one little money-saving, eco-friendly trick.

Energy efficiency.

These days, energy efficiency is measured through something called a “SEER rating.” But what is SEER rating? And why is it so important? Keep reading to find out!

What Is a SEER Rating?

“SEER” stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy in partnership with the Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute in order to come up with a tangible way to measure the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

SEER ratings are calculated by dividing an air conditioner’s cooling output by its electrical energy input. A high number qualified as an efficient AC unit.

As energy standards for appliances change around the country, looking for new units with a high SEER rating can make sure that your home is up-to-date and ready to go.

SEER vs. SEER 2

Many homeowners get confused when researching SEER ratings, as they come across two distinct terms: SEER and SEER 2. So, what’s the difference?

SEER 2 refers to the updated energy standards that have replaced the old SEER ratings as of 2023. While the formula is the same, SEER 2 involves slightly more rigorous testing that typically gives a lower score than the older SEER model.

What Are Today’s Energy Efficiency Standards?

In an attempt to continue to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, the U.S. Department of Energy is slowly becoming stricter when it comes to energy-efficient appliances. Unfortunately, the average homeowner isn’t always up to date on what that entails or what they should be looking for as they invest in new HVAC systems.

In 2023, the Department of Energy requires all new air conditioner units to have a SEER rating of no less than 14 in the northern part of the country and 15 in the southern half. The hope is that by making this switch, between 2.5 and 12.2 billion dollars will be saved on energy bills nationwide.

Reasons to Choose Appliances With a High SEER Rating

The unfortunate truth is that buying an air conditioner that fits current SEER 2 standards means that you will likely have to purchase a brand-new model. That inevitably comes with a higher price tag than an air conditioning system that may be even 1-2 years older.

Because of this, many homeowners are reluctant to take the leap. But there are many benefits that come with investing in an air conditioning unit with a high SEER rating, including:

  • Save Money 💰- As previously mentioned, an energy-efficient air conditioner can help to keep cooling costs low, which will save you money in the long run.
  • Resale Value🏡 – Updated HVAC work will help you to increase your home’s resale value if you are planning on selling in the near future.
  • Less Maintenance 🔨 – It can be tempting to stick with your old air conditioner, even when it is past its prime. But you may end up paying more for repairs and maintenance than you would to simply invest in a new air conditioner.
  • Financial Incentives 💵 – Many national programs offer rebates and other incentives to switch to an energy-efficient HVAC system.
  • Eco Friendly 🌎 – There’s no home for us without a thriving planet. Taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint by investing in energy-efficient systems betters your life and everyone around you.
  • Reduce Humidity 💧- A new air conditioning unit can more effectively remove moisture from the air, which can reduce the chance of mildew and mold forming, as well as make your home more comfortable.

How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?

So, we’ve convinced you. But we’re willing to bet that you still have one very important question.

How much will an air conditioner with a good SEER rating cost?

The answer will vary, depending on the size of your home, your existing setup, and which model you choose. In general, central air conditioners cost between $1,800-$3,500. The most efficient options, unsurprisingly, will likely sit at the higher end of that spectrum.

The good news? Most air conditioner units will last between 15 to 20 years, meaning that your investment will be ready to go for a long time!

HVAC Maintenance Tips

Want to keep your new purchase running smoothly for years to come? Here are some of our top maintenance tips:

  • Remove Debris – As the seasons change, it is easy for things like leaves, twigs, and vegetation to gather around your air conditioner. In order to keep it safe, we recommend regularly clearing the area.
  • Clean Your Ducts – Your air ducts and vents can become clogged with dust and dirt without you even knowing it! Regularly cleaning your air ducts will help your system work efficiently.
  • Change the Filter – Air filters are great at trapping dust and other irritants that can trigger allergies. However, it is also easy to forget about. Changing the air filter a few times a year can help promote optimal airflow and keep the air you are breathing fresh.

Consult With an HVAC Pro

Ready to make the switch? The team at Aquarius Home Services can help! We’re experts on a wide range of HVAC systems and can help you choose one that fits your goals and budget. Contact us today to set up your appointment!

Nicholas Kintigh
Nicholas Kintigh
1739846058
Wyatt was very knowledgeable and friendly. He seemed to know what needed to be done and explained everything.
Jodi Powell
Jodi Powell
1739844907
Great customer service!!!! I would highly recommend!!!!
Charlie Cremers
Charlie Cremers
1739835727
Justin from Aquarius Kincetico was great. He was very knowledgeable about our drinking water system, and our water softener system. He walked through everything with me. Thank you again for all your services
Diane Chaussee
Diane Chaussee
1739834775
Derk was so informative and always asked if we had any questions. He answered every question that we asked him. He was pleasant, knowledgeable, and very nice. It was a wonderful experience and we are so happy we have this system now to drink good water! Thank you!!!
Rod S
Rod S
1739831646
Very friendly and knowledgeable. Nick is a great representative of your company.
Jim Molitor
Jim Molitor
1739831493
Very knowledgeable and helpful
J Carroll
J Carroll
1739828599
On time, professional, and efficient. Ryan / Aquarius knows what he is doing!
kurt nyberg
kurt nyberg
1739827475
The people there are supper great and did a great job explaining what we needed to know about it and installing in the time he said
Greg Wax
Greg Wax
1739827456
Rena Shepard
Rena Shepard
1739827174
Anthony was very nice and patient with all. Did a great job and explained everything to me. Thank you
Robert Boyle
Robert Boyle
1739825454
Great and professional installation.
jane larson
jane larson
1739823632
Mike was very thorough and explained everything he was doing. He was a great representative of Aquarius Home Services.
Erik Johnson
Erik Johnson
1739818756
Great service
Maria Fernandes
Maria Fernandes
1739818541
Technician was awesome and did a great thorough job with routine maintenance and system inspection, including taking sensor measurement data at a ceiling vent. World-Class professional knowledge, talent, and technical skill. Thank you, Alec! We look forward to AC inspection in the approaching season, as well...
Gail Brandt
Gail Brandt
1739817675
Gordy provided great service.
Donna Kodet
Donna Kodet
1739810757
Great experience with work done today.Excellent explanations on systemThey were happy to make adjustments as requested. Highly recommend them
Andrew Blattner
Andrew Blattner
1739747698
Great service and experience! Andrew was awesome!
DAN KOLAND
DAN KOLAND
1739683557
Nick repaired our furnace on a Saturday night. He walked me through what was was wrong and had it working after a short period of time. Nick and Aquarius are the best! It would have been a cold night without them.
Christopher Sobraske
Christopher Sobraske
1739658824
Ryan Kahl did a phenomenal job! Extremely knowledgeable about our system and was able to answer all my questions. He was very professional and helpful especially with taking the time to make sure I was 100% confident in our system along with giving me helpful tips above and beyond our system. He really exceeded the value we expected from our service plan.
Corinne Klitzke
Corinne Klitzke
1739645858
Heather Reynolds
Heather Reynolds
1739644317
Max was very helpful!
Bill Enloe
Bill Enloe
1739570182
Pete Hayes
Pete Hayes
1739565324
Was a bit hesitant on keeping up with Kinetico!! But your two service techs ( Justin and Hannah)went above and beyond what I was expecting!! They spent so much energy and information related to my issues , making it a pleasant experience. Like I gained two new friends. Plus explained how a different service should take care further issues. Definitely would like to see them for my next service!!! Even got my wife back on board. Thanks again. Pete Hayes
Debbie Doyle
Debbie Doyle
1739561479
Aquarius came out this morning and replaced two toilets and did some plumbing work downstairs all in one morning. The plumber, Joe, was efficient, answers questions, provided helpful information, and was very friendly and personable. I will DEFINITELY use Aquarius again.
Matt Van Beusekom
Matt Van Beusekom
1739558449
Excellent and efficient work. Would definitely recommend!
Josey Dooley
Josey Dooley
1739557030
Amazing service!
Jessica Tracy
Jessica Tracy
1739556713
Gordon was very friendly and knowledgeable - makes the visit/process so much easier.
James M
James M
1739555300
After months of high water bills and feeling itchy, the Aquarius team came to the rescue. My 25 year old kinetico softener finally gave up and was constantly cycling. At the end of the service call we realized the old unit wasn't worth repairing. They sent out a salesperson the same day, providing a great range of options to fit my price point. My new softener arrived early so we were able to move up the install date. Install was flawless and we're back to having the softest water ever. I'm super happy with every interaction I've had with the Aquarius team. They are all super friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I rarely leave reviews and only leave them when I'm really impressed. That's definitely the case with this company.
Brian Hagen
Brian Hagen
1739551834
Steve Sherwood
Steve Sherwood
1739551765
Great service. Prompt and knowledgeable
Peter T
Peter T
1739551605
Dirk did a good job communicating and installing the system. Recommend.
Nancy Lahmann
Nancy Lahmann
1739551066
Dylan checked boiler and did a thorough inspection. Very polite. He also knocked off a big ice chunk outside …extra service and much appreciated.
Ann Marie Haerter
Ann Marie Haerter
1739550777
Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable
Kenneth Schwebach
Kenneth Schwebach
1739498359
Great service tec! She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Neal Kempel
Neal Kempel
1739497034
First, Aquarius responded to my interest in an RO system promptly. After deciding to commit to their solution, the installation, Including a water softner solution, it was scheduled the same week. Michael was the installer and he called when in transit and arrived right on schedule. We went over the work to be done and the placement of the equipment with only one issue that arose. The RO and water softener installation would not be a problem, but plumbing for the outdoor outlets would require additional material and labor, not included in the quote. I was looking forward to using the outdoor faucets without switching the system over. We elected to continue with the installation and Michael kept us informed throughout the day of his progress and completion time. He had everything cleaned up and provided us with a review of the system. To date, we are very pleased with the system and want to thank Michael for a great install. My only recommendation to Aquarius would be to take an additional step, during the initial meeting possibly, and physically look at the plumbing to ensure the quote covers all the materials to meet the customer request.
Jacqueline Garberg
Jacqueline Garberg
1739496644
Wyatt was thorough, considerate, a trusted service professional! Thank you!
Deb N
Deb N
1739489085
Tyler from Aquarius Home Services did a great job! He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Jeffrey Ek
Jeffrey Ek
1739486327
The techs are always very cordial, explain what they are doing, and in and out as quickly as makes sense. Having said that, I’ve never felt that they rushed through their work.
Keith Wolff
Keith Wolff
1739485872
Everything was checked out and explained the tech was very informative would recommend them. Thank you!
Jessica Fisher
Jessica Fisher
1739484813
We have had our Aquarius services longer than a decade. During this time, the equipment has never failed us, but more importantly we have received absolutely outstanding customer service anytime we have needed anything. Today was no different, Wyatt came to our house to do our periodic inspection and was able to help troubleshoot a problem and find a solution the very same day. The entire time he was here, he kept his workspace, clean and orderly, and he was very polite and respectful of our home. The shocker came when he was about to leave and told me this was his fifth day On his own! Very impressed, not only with him as a person, but the quality of employees that come out out of Aquarius. Highly recommend this company.
Jane Ogren
Jane Ogren
1739484717
Friendly and knowledgeable
Mike Gunderson
Mike Gunderson
1739483907
I had an old furnace that was on its last legs and needed to be replaced ASAP.Day one: Service Tech arrived 2 hours after initial contact with Aquarius. Sales Rep arrived within an hour of the request. Deal was made and installation appointment scheduled for the NEXT DAY!Day two: Contacted by the installation team at 7:00 am. Arrived at 7:30. Finished up by 2:30.All of the staff that I dealt with were friendly, professional and great to work with. They explained everything very well. I was expecting to wait 2-3 weeks for a new furnace and A/C. This was all done inside of two days. I would 100% recommend Aquarius to anyone needing any type of home service.Tall Mike, Mike Sippel, Chris Oigard, Dave and Luke it was great to work with you. Thanks for everything!Oh, they like dogs too.
Katie Raymond
Katie Raymond
1739481339
Sue Ufheil
Sue Ufheil
1739471348
Colton was very professional and explained everything he was doing. Very happy with service today.
Jarrod Wieland
Jarrod Wieland
1739470866
James Grant
James Grant
1739469886
Wonderful experience with Andrew & Joey , installed new efficient electric water heater . Courteous , clean , efficient, highly recommended
Jeremy Ruth
Jeremy Ruth
1739468208
Justin and Hana were super friendly and they helped figure out an issue with our RO system. Great appt
James Dixon
James Dixon
1739466779
Creative problem solver, pleasant personality, efficient and cleaned up well.
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