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Call NowHow an Improved SEER Rating Can Help You Save Money and Energy
At Control Techs NW, we make finding an HVAC technician in Clackamas, OR, a simple and stress-free process. We understand just how important it is to keep homes and businesses in our area comfortable year-round.
Indoor temperature control can be complex. Keeping systems running their best for your residential or commercial purposes requires the help of a professional HVAC technician, that’s where we come in!
We proudly bring more than 28 years of experience into every project that we take on. Our technicians are qualified to handle everything, from heating and cooling needs to smart home technology and indoor air quality solutions.
While keeping homes and businesses in top temperature-controlled shape, we often get asked about the benefits of an excellent SEER rating. Many of our clients are confused about what this is and how it can help. At Control Techs NW, we’re happy to break it down for the greater good of the clients we serve.
How a SEER Rating Is Linked to HVAC Efficiency
When upgrading a heating and cooling system, many homes and business owners across Clackamas, OR, know that a SEER rating matters. Far fewer understand exactly why. The answer starts with understanding what exactly SEER is.
SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating a system receives is based on a specific calculation.
This calculation involves dividing an air conditioner’s cooling output over a standard cooling season by its energy consumption, measured in Watt-Hours.
Measuring system efficiency in this way means looking at a variety of environmental factors. A SEER rating takes into consideration a calculation that accounts for an entire cooling season.
It will also account for indoor temperature and outdoor temperatures. Standard summer outdoor temperatures are considered those that fluctuate between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
In general, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient a system is considered. A good SEER rating can significantly impact the comfort of a home or business. It can also improve monthly energy costs.
What Are the Benefits of a Good SEER Rating?
Energy efficiency leading to monthly savings is a huge benefit when purchasing a system with a good SEER rating. Additionally, most systems with high SEER ratings are enhanced with quiet operation features!
Homeowners and business owners alike find that saving on energy opens up the potential for putting finances towards new family experiences or business ventures.
There’s also the comfort factor to consider. A cooling system with a high SEER rating tends to be more consistent. This means homeowners and business owners across Clackamas, OR, can depend on cool temperatures inside even when temperatures outside are soaring.
Additionally, installing a unit with a good SEER rating brings peace of mind to environmentally conscious people. A more energy-efficient system that uses fewer fossil fuels results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions overall.
What Is Considered a Good SEER Rating?
A good SEER rating looks a little different depending on the geographical location of a home or business. The U.S. Department of Energy requires cooling units across Oregon to have a minimum SEER rating of at least 13. Based on this starting point, the acceptable range is anywhere from 13 up to a SEER rating of 21.
There are air conditioners on the market that boast a SEER rating of 22. However, it’s important to note that these units highlight a maximum efficiency rating in ideal summer conditions.
As a comparison point, older cooling systems found in homes tend to average a SEER rating of around 8 or 9. That means investing in a new cooling system, even if it falls on the lower end of the SEER rating, can be a huge improvement when it comes to saving both energy and money.
Factors That Can Affect a SEER Rating
Many elements can affect the efficiency of a cooling system and, subsequently, the SEER rating. This is true even for those that have a higher SEER rating.
System efficiency can fluctuate depending on:
- The type of ductwork installed
- Unseasonable regional temperatures
- The size of the home
- Quality of installation
Before installing a new system, being aware of any of these factors can help homeowners and business owners make informed purchases. Larger homes may inevitably need a unit with a higher SEER rating to function efficiently. Smaller homes may be able to achieve similar savings and efficiency with a unit that has a lower SEER rating.
Reach Out to Control Techs NW Today
If you’re considering the many benefits of installing a new cooling system with an improved SEER rating, the team at Control Techs NW is here to help. We proudly service Sandy, Damascus, Clackamas, and surrounding areas.
Reach out today to learn more about how a higher SEER rating can help you save on energy and monthly bills. We’ll also help you schedule your next appointment upon request!
