What SEER Rating You Need For the Arizona Heat
If you live in Arizona, you know that summers can be brutal. With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury. However, running your air conditioner 24/7 can be expensive, both for your wallet and the environment. That’s why it’s important to understand the new SEER rating standards and what you need to consider when choosing an air conditioning system for your home.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioning unit operates over an entire cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the system is, and the more you can save on your energy bills. The SEER rating is determined by dividing the cooling output of the air conditioner by the energy it consumes in watts per hour. For example, an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 16 will use 6,000 watts of energy to produce 96,000 BTUs of cooling power over a 6-hour period.
The new SEER rating standards were introduced in January 2023 and require all new air conditioning units to have a minimum SEER rating of 14. This means that if your current air conditioner has a SEER rating of less than 14, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient system. A trained Comfort Specialist from Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling can assess your current situation and provide options for a cost-saving air conditioning solution.
However, it’s important to note that SEER ratings are just one factor to consider when choosing an air conditioning system for your home in Arizona. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
- Size: The size of your air conditioning system is crucial to its efficiency. A unit that’s too small will have to work harder to cool your home, while one that’s too big will waste energy and money.
- Insulation: Make sure your home is properly insulated to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering. This will help your air conditioner run more efficiently and save you money.
- Ductwork: Have your ductwork inspected to ensure that it’s properly sealed and insulated. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can cause your air conditioner to work harder and reduce its efficiency.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioning system running smoothly and efficiently. Schedule annual tune-ups with a qualified HVAC technician to catch any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
In summary, the new SEER rating standards are an important step towards a more energy-efficient future. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the size of your air conditioning system, insulation, ductwork and maintenance when choosing an air conditioning system for your home in the Fountain Hills area.
For more information about purchasing a more efficient AC system for your home, call Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling to schedule an appointment.
