A new air conditioner is a significant purchase, and it can be hard to decide which option is best for your Boca Raton, FL, home. Your AC system should be big enough to sufficiently cool your home but efficient enough to keep your utility bill reasonable. Two of the most important considerations are the AC system’s SEER rating and size.
SEER Rating Explained
SEER rating is a measure of your air conditioner’s efficiency. It’s calculated by dividing the cooling output by the energy input for a season. This gives you an estimate of how effectively your AC unit cools your home based on the amount of energy it consumes.
SEER ratings usually range from 13 to 21, and a higher score indicates better energy efficiency. Some air conditioners are more efficient than others, but factors like home size and ductwork can affect SEER score as well.
Finding the Right SEER Rating for Your Home
If you’re in the market for a new AC system, SEER rating should be one of your considerations. The U.S. Department of Energy outlines minimum SEER requirements by region because climate varies so dramatically across the country. If you live in the Southwest or Southeast, your AC unit should have a SEER score of at least 14. If you live in the North, a SEER score of 13 should be sufficient.
Ultimately, the SEER score of your air conditioner is a personal choice. AC units with a higher rating will cost more, but they also will save money on your utility bill. A professional AC technician can help you balance rating and budget.
Choosing Correct AC Size
Finally, the size of your new AC system also has a big impact on its cooling capacity and its energy consumption. Air conditioner sizes are measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. You can get an estimate of the right BTU for your home by measuring the square footage you need cooled and multiplying it by 25.
This is just a guideline, though. If your home receives full sunlight, your AC unit may need a higher BTU. If the air conditioner is placed in the kitchen, the BTU should be higher as well. Your home’s layout and insulation can affect the ideal size of an AC, too.
When you’re choosing a new AC system, the SEER rating and the size are critical. If the unit isn’t the right fit for your home, you may end up with an inadequately cooled house or a sizable energy bill. Fortunately, determining a good SEER and BTU range for your home only takes a little research and a few calculations. Cool Running Air can help with those. Contact us today to start your new air conditioner installation.
