When it comes to heating and cooling your home in the Los Angeles area, energy efficiency is important. After all, do you really want to spend most of your money on monthly energy bills?
An energy-efficient HVAC system can keep your home comfortable and your utility bills low. However in order for your HVAC system to do this, it must be efficient enough to heat and cool your entire home in the weather conditions of the Los Angeles area.
If you are in the market for an efficient air conditioner, there are a few things that you should consider. These include the blower size, technology, warranty and SEER rating.
The SEER rating is a number that you need to know. It measures an HVAC system’s energy output. This rating is calculated by dividing the system’s heating and cooling output by the electric energy output.
The SEER Rating Explained
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The good news is you don’t have to calculate SEER ratings when you shop for heating and AC systems. Manufacturers do it for you.
However, it is a good idea to have general knowledge about this rating’s effect on your home’s energy efficiency. Understanding the SEER rating will help you select the right HVAC system for your home.
The lowest SEER rating for residential systems is 13. The highest rating is 26. The minimum SEER qualification for Energy Star certified appliances is 14.5.
You should know that each state has minimum standards for SEER ratings. Our technicians at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air are available to discuss the minimum requirements in California.
Typically, heating and cooling systems with higher SEER ratings use less energy. This doesn’t mean that systems with low SEER ratings are less effecient. There are several manufacturers that make high-quality heating and cooling systems with lower SEER ratings.
Which Factors Impact Energy Efficiency in Your Home?
The SEER rating is just one of a few things that impact a heating and cooling system’s energy efficiency. The system’s size, thermostat and duct work impact energy efficiency in your home.
While you are shopping for a new HVAC system, you shouldn’t just focus on the SEER rating. Here’s what you should know about the other factors.
Size matters when it comes to system replacement. Your new heating and cooling system must be an exact fit for your home. If your HVAC system is too small or large, it can cause all kinds of problems in your home.
Our team of professional technicians at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air specialize in installing systems that are the right fit for homes. Before you select your replacement system, we will measure the square footage of your home. This will help us determine which system are a good fit.
A faulty thermostat can impact the energy efficiency in your home. That is the reason our customers replace their thermostats when they replace their HVAC systems.
Even if your thermostat works, it might be time to replace it. New thermostats offer programmable options and smart technology. These features can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Our company installs thermostats with a variety of features.
Duct work is an essential part of your home’s heating and cooling system. Not only does it circulate air throughout your home, it improves your home’s air quality. Leaky and dirty ducts can reduce energy efficiency in your home.
Your HVAC system includes several components that work together to make your home comfortable and cozy. Take this into consideration as you are shopping for a new heating and cooling system.
How to Determine the Ideal SEER Rating for Your Home
Here’s the truth. Heating and cooling systems with higher SEER ratings can be expensive. In some instances, the sticker price could be an additional $1000 or more.
If you are like most of our customers, you don’t want to spend more than you have to. That’s a good reason to take some time to assess your needs before you select your new system.
This is an overview of the factors we consider before making heating and cooling system recommendations to our customers. The first thing we do is measure your home’s square footage. Then, we consider the location of your home and the climate in your area.
If your home has a basement, we factor that into our calculations. We may consider other factors including winter/summer weather conditions, your home’s foundation and the amount of shade near your home.
After we gather this information, we determine the ideal SEER rating for your heating and cooling system. This is an intensive process. That’s why you should hire a trained technician to install your heating and cooling system.
Myths About SEER Ratings
If you search for information about SEER ratings on the internet, you will see all sorts of claims. It can be difficult to determine myths from facts.
Our team has nearly 40 years of experience installing, repairing and maintaining HVAC systems. We know a thing or two about SEER ratings. Here are the most common myths that we have read.
Myth: Your HVAC system will maintain its SEER rating throughout its life cycle.
Fact: Regardless of the brand and SEER rating, heating and cooling systems lose a percentage of their efficiency each year. It is common for SEER ratings to reduce over time.
Myth: A high SEER rating means that you have a quality heating and cooling system.
Fact: The SEER rating only rates the efficiency of a unit – not the quality.
Myth: Heating and cooling systems with high SEER ratings don’t require annual maintenance.
Fact: Annual maintenance is necessary if you want to prolong the life of your HVAC system. It can prevent break downs and expensive repairs.
Myth: A heating and cooling system with a high SEER rating will pay for itself over the life of the system.
Fact: Buying a heating and cooling system with a high SEER rating can result in lower energy costs. Your actual savings will vary. The amount that you will save depends on how much you use your heating and air conditioner system.
One of our goals at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air is to provide our customers with honest heating and cooling evaluations. This information can help you make the right decision for your home.
About JW Plumbing, Heating and Air
Want to learn about SEER ratings and new installations? Our team will gladly help you select a new heating and cooling system with the right SEER rating for your home. If you are interested in an in-home consultation, we are available.
Our services at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air include maintenance, installation and repair services for heating and cooling systems. We also perform services for electrical systems and water heaters in the Los Angeles area.
If indoor air quality is a concern, we can help. Our qualified technicians perform services that reduce indoor air pollution and allergens.
Scheduling an appointment with our team is easy. Just call JW Plumbing, Heating and Air to book an appointment in the Los Angeles area.
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