When it comes to cooling and heating your home, you need an HVAC system that not only provides superior comfort, but does so without putting a dent in your wallet. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to the SEER rating if you’re purchasing a new system for your home.

SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the standard rating system that represents how much energy it takes to produce a specific amount of cooling. Understanding SEER ratings and how to choose the right rating for your home can help you save money. Here’s what you need to know.

Differences in SEER Ratings

The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient a system is. Even though an air conditioning system may cool your home sufficiently, units that have a low SEER rating can eat up your dollars in energy costs.

In fact, a unit with a low SEER rating may cost 20 percent to 50 percent more in cooling costs than a 14-SEER unit. Therefore, some people choose to take on the expense of installing a new air conditioning system because they know that their energy savings will pay for the system over time. Some 16-SEER or higher units have two speeds with the low speed providing sufficient cooling 80 percent of the time.

Rebates Can Help You Save Money Too

Another way high-SEER units save you money on the installation of new air conditioning is because many utility companies offer rebates for the installation of designated high-SEER units. Utility companies offer rebates because they do not want their energy grids taxed by a lot of cooling units that are not energy-efficient. You can check with your utility company to find out if you qualify for a rebate.

In addition to utility companies, some manufacturers of central air conditioning units offer rebates for having their specific brand installed. Check with your HVAC contractor or go to the manufacturer’s website before installation to find out more about these rebates. Many utility companies also offer rebates on heat pumps with a specified SEER rating.

Find the Right SEER Rating for Your Home

Ultimately, there are lots of things to consider when selecting the right SEER rating for your home. You should take the layout of your home into consideration, as well as your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and energy-saving goals.

If you’d like helping selecting an HVAC system with the right SEER rating, call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Clearwater today. Our team of HVAC professionals can help find the right system for your home.