The efficiency at which air conditioners produce cooling is referred to as its SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and is a ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. The higher the SEER, the greater the air conditioner’s efficiency.
Older air conditioning systems have a SEER rating of 10 or under. Today, even the best heating and cooling system can have SEER ratings as high as 23. As of January 1st, 2015 the minimum SEER rating required to be installed in homes is 14 SEER, (window AC units are exempt from this law, so their SEERs are still around 10). The SEER rating is usually shown on a yellow and black EnergyGuide sticker attached to the outside unit of the air conditioner.
How much energy and money can you save by upgrading from your old air conditioner to a modern, more efficient model? If you happen to have an existing 10 SEER unit, by installing our new Comfort 15 HVAC system at 15 SEER, you would end up saving about $675.00 per year. Up that to an 18 SEER unit like the VNA8 and you can go upwards to savings of $875.00!
