Why Should You Care When Choosing a New HVAC System?
If you are thinking about getting a new HVAC system for your home in the Hudson Valley, you may have heard of the term SEER. But what does it mean and why should you care? In this blog post, we will explain what SEER is, how it is calculated, and how it affects the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system.
What is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools your home over a typical cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system is.
SEER is calculated by dividing the total cooling output of the system in British thermal units (BTUs) by the total electric energy input in watt-hours during the same period. For example, if a system produces 12,000 BTUs of cooling per hour and consumes 1,000 watts of electricity, its SEER rating is 12 (12,000 / 1,000 = 12).
SEER ratings are determined by testing the system in a laboratory setting that simulates different indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity levels. The test results are then averaged to get the SEER rating for the system.
Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not quite. There are some factors that can affect the accuracy of the SEER rating, such as:
- The laboratory conditions may not reflect the real-world conditions in your home. For example, your home may have more or less insulation, air leaks, windows, or shade than the test environment.
- The SEER rating is based on an average cooling season, which may not match the actual cooling season in your area. For example, if you live in a hot and humid climate where you use your AC more often and longer than average, your actual energy efficiency may be lower than the SEER rating.
- The SEER rating is based on a single set point temperature, which may not match your preferred thermostat setting. For example, if you like to keep your home cooler or warmer than the test temperature, your actual energy efficiency may be lower or higher than the SEER rating.
So, while the SEER rating is a useful indicator of energy efficiency, it is not a guarantee of how much energy or money you will save with a new HVAC system. It’s more like a ballpark estimate that can help you compare different systems.
How does SEER affect your HVAC system?
SEER ratings affect your HVAC system in several ways:
- Energy efficiency: A higher SEER rating means that the system uses less electricity to cool your home, which lowers your energy bills and reduces your environmental impact. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading from a 10-SEER system to a 16-SEER system can save you up to 40% on your cooling costs. That’s a lot of money that you can spend on other things, like ice cream or beer.
- Performance: A higher SEER rating also means that the system can cool your home more quickly and evenly, which improves your comfort level and indoor air quality. A higher SEER system can also handle higher outdoor temperatures and humidity levels better than a lower SEER system. That means less sweating and more chilling.
- Cost: A higher SEER rating usually comes with a higher upfront cost for the system. However, you may be able to recoup some of that cost through lower energy bills, tax credits, rebates, and longer lifespan of the system. Plus, you can’t put a price on comfort and peace of mind.
What is a good SEER rating for your HVAC system?
The minimum SEER rating for new HVAC systems varies by region in the United States. In the North, all types of air conditioners and heat pumps must have a SEER rating of at least 14. In the Southeast and Southwest, split-system air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 15.
To choose the right SEER rating for your home in New York State, you should consider several factors:
- Your climate: New York has a humid continental climate, which means hot and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. You may use your AC frequently and for long periods of time in the summer, which means you may benefit from a higher SEER system that can handle the high demand and save you more money on energy bills. A SEER rating of 16 or higher may be a good choice for your home.
- Your home size: The size of your home affects the cooling capacity and energy efficiency of your HVAC system. If you have a large home that requires more cooling, you may need a higher SEER system that can cool it efficiently and evenly. If you have a small home that requires less cooling, you may be able to get away with a lower SEER system that still meets your needs.
- Your insulation level: The insulation level of your home affects the heat transfer between indoors and outdoors. If you have poor insulation or air leaks in your home that allow heat to enter or escape easily, you may need a higher SEER system that can compensate for the heat loss or gain. If you have good insulation or air sealing that prevents heat transfer, you may be able to use a lower SEER system that does not have to work as hard.
- Your ductwork condition: The ductwork condition of your home affects the airflow and energy efficiency of your HVAC system. If you have old or leaky ducts in your home that waste energy and reduce airflow, you may need a higher SEER system that can overcome the inefficiencies of your ducts. If you have new or well-sealed ducts in your home that deliver air effectively, you may be able to use a lower SEER system that does not have to overcome any duct losses.
How can Shelter HVAC help you choose the best SEER rating for your HVAC system?
At Shelter HVAC, we know how important it is to choose the right HVAC system for your home in the Hudson Valley. That’s why we offer free consultations and estimates to help you find the best SEER rating for your needs and budget.
We are a woman-owned business and are proud to serve our community with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
We will assess your home’s size, layout, insulation level, ductwork condition, and climate zone. We will also listen to your preferences and goals for comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Based on our evaluation, we will recommend the best HVAC system for your home from our wide range of high-quality products.
We will also explain the benefits and features of each system, as well as the installation process and warranty options. We will answer any questions you may have and provide you with a detailed quote for your project.
Once you decide on the best HVAC system for your home, we will schedule a convenient time for installation. Our experienced and certified technicians will install your new system quickly and professionally. We will also test and calibrate your system to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
We will also provide you with tips and advice on how to maintain your new system and keep it running smoothly for years to come. We will also be available for any service or repair needs you may have in the future.
At Shelter HVAC, we are committed to providing you with the best HVAC solutions for your home in New York We are experts in installing and servicing high-SEER systems that can keep you cool and comfortable without breaking the bank.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and estimate. Let us help you make your home more comfortable, efficient, and beautiful with a high-SEER HVAC system.
