Have you ever wondered if your Las Vegas, NV, home’s heating and cooling system is energy efficient? You don’t have to guess when you understand Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). Here’s a quick overview of what this rating means and why the number matters.
SEER 101
Knowing your system’s SEER will give you a better idea of how much energy you can expect it to use within 12 months and, more importantly, how much it will cost to run. The Department of Energy (DOE) has put in place minimum SEERs. As of 2022, the minimum SEER for people in the south and southwest regions is 14. For people living in northern regions, the minimum SEER is 13.
To understand SEER better, think of it like a vehicle’s miles-per-gallon estimate. When a car operates at its maximum efficiency on the highway, it gets more miles per gallon. But the car gets fewer miles if it’s stuck in traffic. You want your HVAC system to perform as efficiently as possible for less money, so the goal is to aim for a higher SEER.
What Is a Good SEER?
If you want the greatest energy efficiency, look for a model with a higher SEER. For a heating and cooling system to earn an ENERGY STAR rating, its SEER must be no less than 14.5. The highest SEER is 21.
The higher the number and the more efficient the HVAC system often means a more costly purchase price. However, you don’t have to purchase a system with the highest SEER to reduce energy usage and spend less on heating or cooling your home. Many factors go into how efficient your system runs, such as:
- Quality of the ductwork
- The size of your house
- System maintenance
Many homes have systems with SEERs between 14 and 16 and reap the energy saving rewards. Infinity Heating and Cooling has a number of high-quality options if you’re in the market to replace your heating or cooling system. Call today to learn more about our HVAC services!
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