When you start looking for a new central air conditioning system to replace your current one, you’ll encounter numerous statistics and a sometimes befuddling array of acronyms. This is one of many reasons you should have HVAC professionals assist you with installation from the start of the process. They can help you navigate through the maze of ratings and specifications toward the AC that will give your home the cooling matched ideally to a humid Florida summer.
There is one air conditioning rating we’d like to offer some additional information about, since it will help you understand how efficiently a system operates, and therefore how much you can expect to pay to run it each year. Professionals will help you determine the efficiency rating that will suit your needs.
Make sure you have a knowledgeable team working on your air conditioning installation in Miami, FL: contact Air On Demand and speak to our qualified AC specialists.
The Efficiency Rating: SEER
The rating used to list the efficiency of an air conditioning system is SEER, which stands for “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” SEER is a ratio of the amount of cooling power produced to the amount of energy consumed. This is measured over a whole season, which makes SEER different from EER, which measures only a single test.
The cooling power is measured in British Thermal Units, which is the amount of energy needed to change the temperature of a gallon of water one degree. For air conditioning, BTUs measure the amount of heat removed from air to cool it down. The units of electrical energy are in kilowatt hours (kWh). SEERis the ratio of BTUs/kWh. The higher the number, the more efficient the cooling system is at changing electrical power into the power to remove heat from the air.
In order for an air conditioner to qualify for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR label for efficiency in Florida, it must have 14.5 SEER or greater. Most central ACs score in the 14–20 SEER range, with special high-efficiency models rating even higher.
Keep in mind that SEER rates efficiency, not the actual cooling capability of an air conditioner. Just because a unit has high SEER does not mean it will keep your home’s temperature at the level you need; SEER indicates instead how well the system uses electricity to cool. Don’t rely on SEER as your sole criteria when choosing a new system. Your installation expert will assist you with balancing out all the important factors.
Air On Demand handles air conditioning installation in Miami, FL with the highest quality equipment. With us backing you, rest assured that you’ll receive the air conditioning system that will keep you comfortable, and your power bills in check, for many years to come.