What is a SEER Rating, and Why Should You Care?
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner—or just trying to understand your current one—you’ve probably come across the term “SEER rating”. But what does SEER mean, and why is it important? At Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical in Colorado Springs, we help homeowners understand their heating and cooling equipment every day. Here’s what you need to know about SEER ratings and why they matter.
❄️ What is a SEER Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a measure of how efficiently an air conditioning unit operates throughout an entire cooling season. The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the total cooling output (measured in BTUs) by the total electric energy used (measured in watt-hours).
In simpler terms:
✅ The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the AC unit.
✅ A higher SEER means lower energy usage and reduced utility costs.
⚡️ Why Should You Care About SEER?
1️⃣ Lower Energy Bills
Air conditioning accounts for a significant portion of your summer utility costs. An AC unit with a higher SEER rating uses less energy, which can save you money every month.
2️⃣ Greater Comfort
Higher SEER units often have advanced features like variable-speed motors and multi-stage cooling. These help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature and reduce humidity levels, making your home more comfortable.
3️⃣ Environmental Impact
More efficient units consume less electricity, reducing your household’s carbon footprint and contribution to climate change.
4️⃣ Longer Equipment Life
High-efficiency units often experience less wear and tear thanks to advanced engineering, making them more reliable and longer-lasting.
🌞 What SEER Rating Should You Choose?
Today, federal standards require that new air conditioning units have a SEER rating of at least 14 in Colorado and much of the northern United States. However, higher SEER units (16–20+) can save even more energy and are ideal for areas with long cooling seasons.
Here in Colorado Springs, where summer temperatures can fluctuate, a SEER rating of 14–16 is a solid starting point. If your home has special cooling needs or you’re looking to save as much as possible on your energy bill, consider units rated 18 SEER or higher.
🏠 Is It Time to Upgrade?
If your current AC is over 10–15 years old or has a SEER rating of 10 or lower, you could be paying too much for cooling. Upgrading to a higher SEER unit can save you significant money over the life of the equipment and provide a more comfortable, reliable cooling experience.
✅ Final Thoughts
Understanding SEER ratings is an important part of choosing the right air conditioning system for your Colorado Springs home. Higher SEER ratings mean lower energy costs, improved comfort, and a reduced environmental impact.
If you’re considering an AC upgrade—or just want help finding the best unit for your needs—Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about SEER ratings and to schedule a consultation with one of our cooling experts!
