A SEER rating on an air conditioner indicates how efficient the model is in comparison to other units. These units cool your home while using less energy than lower-rated models. Older models may have a SEER rating that is significantly lower compared to modern standards, causing them to not meet the new regulations set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE).
Aside from simply upgrading to a higher SEER rating, there are other signs that it may be time to replace your aging air conditioner. Our team can help you identify the most recognizable signs that indicate it’s time to upgrade your HVAC system to an AC unit with a high SEER rating.
How SEER Ratings Work
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER for short, is an evaluation that represents the efficiency of a specific system when cooling a home. To calculate a system’s SEER, you divide the cooling output by the total energy used for this cooling.
The number you obtain indicates how much energy your system uses to cool your home each year. When this number is low, it means your SEER rating is high, which represents an efficient system that will save you money while in operation. Ideally, you want to aim for a unit with a SEER rating of 16, but it’s possible to find some units with ratings in the mid-twenties.
Upgrading to an AC With SEER2 Rating
The United States Department of Energy announced the SEER2 rating system at the beginning of 2023. With the introduction of SEER2 technology, you have the option to upgrade to an air conditioner that utilizes this efficiency rating. Instead of measuring the efficiency of only your cooling system, the SEER2 system also considers your heating system. This means that the rating covers the entire year, making it more helpful when choosing new HVAC equipment.
The goal of this technology is to represent the conditions that are most often seen in homes. SEER does not take external static pressure into account, as this can result in misleading information. It takes calculations to the next level by considering real-life living conditions, such as humidity, energy usage, and cooling distribution, rather than just seasonal factors. By adding this into consideration, SEER2 easily calculates how something like a summer rainstorm would change the conditions inside your home.
Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your HVAC System
Even the most well-maintained HVAC systems will eventually require updates. This usually happens when parts wear out or when equipment becomes unsafe. Several other indicators may also occur over time.
Energy Bills Are Increasing
When you notice that your electric bills are increasing, it’s always a good idea to have our team inspect your HVAC system. While this can be a completely normal situation caused by something like a dirty filter, it may also indicate that your system needs repairs to function as intended. Although you may have the option of performing repairs, this is also an opportunity to upgrade to a system with a higher SEER rating.
Your Air Conditioner Is Creating an Odor
If you smell an unpleasant odor coming from your vents while your air conditioner is running, there may be dust burning off as your system operates for the first time that season. However, another possibility is the presence of mold or mildew in your air conditioner or ductwork. Mold can form when there is excess moisture in the home, which can be dangerous to your health. Therefore, it is advisable to schedule an inspection to investigate the cause.
The longer you run your contaminated unit, the more mildew and mold spores will compromise the quality of your indoor air. This diminishes air quality and could cause you and your family to become ill from breathing in contaminated air.
An Overworked or Strained HVAC System
There are clear signs that your system is working harder. When it is, you can expect increases in your utility bills. One of the prime indicators of the system working harder is an increase in noise, which often means that there are loose or damaged parts in the system, causing the motor to overcompensate. An HVAC system working harder to cool your home may require frequent repairs or an upgrade to achieve better efficiency.
When You’re Upgrading Your Home’s Size
In the Springfield area, many homeowners opt to renovate and add square footage to their existing homes. Typically, with more space to cool, one can expect higher energy bills and an overworked HVAC system. To avoid this scenario, homeowners can always upgrade their HVAC system to one with a higher SEER rating. This option will cool air more efficiently, potentially saving money after the renovation or remodel.
Repair Costs Are Extensive
As your system ages, it will require more maintenance and repairs. If you frequently schedule professional repairs, it may be time for an upgrade. You can easily replace parts and keep the unit working for a short period of time. However, if parts continue to break, the cost of continual repairs will be much higher than the cost of a full replacement.
When an Upgrade Is More Economical
It’s common for a high SEER-rated HVAC system to cost more than models with lower ratings. However, you should consider the money you will save in the long run thanks to a unit with a better SEER rating than what you currently have. You may want to calculate how long it will take for the system to recoup the initial upgrade cost.
Optimal SEER Rating for Springfield
You can achieve a high SEER rating if you are willing to invest, but each state has established minimum ratings. In the Springfield area, the U.S. Department of Energy advises that air conditioners and cooling systems in Missouri should have a SEER rating of 14 or higher. Most modern air conditioners exceed this SEER rating, making it straightforward to find one that meets your needs.
Where To Find SEER Ratings
Most HVAC equipment has a SEER rating displayed on its EnergyGuide sticker. This sticker, which is yellow, is usually found on the side of the unit. It highlights the key features and statistics of the unit. While some devices provide a range of information, most will indicate the exact number.
Contact a Reliable Cooling Expert for Upgrades
When your air conditioning unit is not as efficient as it once was, upgrading to a newer model with a higher SEER rating might be your next best step. We can also help you decide if upgrading your HVAC system to a newer SEER2 model is worth it for your needs. If you are looking for a top HVAC company in Springfield, MO, we will get the job done right in a timely fashion. At Queen City Heating & Cooling, we care about your comfort, so give us a call today to help keep you efficiently cool this summer.
