I don’t consider myself an old guy, but I still have trouble deciphering many of today’s text messages. You know something like, “BRB, have to chat with my BFF. He leaves me ROFL. TTYL.” (Translation: Be right back, have to chat with my best friend forever. He leaves me rolling on the floor laughing. Talk to you later.) What I sometimes forget is that we have our own lingo we use in the heating and cooling business that can be just as confusing.

SEER rating explained

A good example is the SEER rating for air conditioners and heat pumps. So, what is it exactly? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a way of measuring the air conditioner’s cooling capacity to power input ratio. It’s computed by dividing the cooling produced (in BTUs) by the electricity used in watts. The only thing you need to know is the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

Why it’s important

If your Waterford, MI home is like most others, the heating & cooling systems use more energy than anything else in the house. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s why you should pay attention to the SEER ratings when you are shopping for an A/C replacement. Higher efficiency usually costs more money upfront but will cut your monthly bills saving money in the long run.

Available choices

The EPA currently requires air conditioners to have a minimum SEER rating of 14 with ratings in excess of 20 for high efficiency units. It’s not uncommon for older air conditioners to have SEER ratings of 10 or lower.

An upgrade will save money

If your unit is 10 to 15 years old, an A/C replacement likely makes sense even if the old one is still working fine. A modern, more efficient model can easily cut energy costs by up to 25%. For more precise numbers, just call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to schedule a no-obligation estimate.

More than numbers

I want to mention a couple of things here. Efficiency is great BUT the SEER rating represents potential efficiency under perfect conditions. Reaching that potential depends on several factors:

• The A/C replacement must be correctly sized for your home.
• The installation has to be done properly to meet industry & manufacturer standards.
• Your HVAC ductwork must be in good condition.
• The home must have airtight windows, doors, and proper insulation.

You can depend on Kotz to make sure an A/C replacement in your Waterford, MI home is done correctly. In fact, our promise to you is quality without compromise and a 100% happiness guarantee. Stay updated with more great information like this by liking and following us on Facebook and Twitter.