Understanding SEER Ratings: A Guide to Choosing an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner in Charlotte, NC

At All City Heat and Air, an AC installation company in Charlotte, NC, we get plenty of inquiries regarding ways in which people can make air conditioners more energy-efficient. Many want to know if their units are sustainable and eco-friendly and how those factors are measured. 

That’s where Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings enter the picture. These are distributed according to how one’s AC cools down their home in an energy-efficient way. A higher SEER rating indicates that an AC is in good shape, energy-wise

The federal government sets the minimum SEER standards. Factors that go into an AC’s score include cooling capacity, the amount of energy the unit needs to work properly, and the surrounding climate. 



The question, though, is how one manages to find an air conditioner with a good rating and what they can do to boost its eco-friendliness. Here’s what you need to know.

Used or New?

Older ACs (namely, those manufactured before 1987, when SEER ratings were launched) are likely to have lower ratings. Bringing these ACs up to more energy-efficient standards is technically possible, but it requires a lot of monitoring, filter replacements, and coil-checking. These units will also need more in the way of professional maintenance.

New units are built specifically to cater to energy efficiency. An air conditioner with a 25 SEER rating, for instance, means it’s doing its job sustainably. Its price tag may be a bit lofty at first glance, but the amount you’ll spend on maintenance over time can make up for that. As a professional AC installation company in Charlotte, NC, All City can help you find the best units on a budget you can afford.

How to Shop With SEER Ratings

Knowing how to select a high-SEER air conditioner involves a few steps, including the following:

• Checking your home’s size and whether it can handle AC needs
• Evaluating your local climate patterns, particularly in summer
• Looking for units with SEER ratings of 25 or higher with the Energy Star label
• Getting help from a local HVAC technician for more detailed information

Another possible benefit of a high SEER rating is that you may be eligible for tax rebates or credits, which makes getting a high-rated unit a solid economic choice, too.

Find More From a Top AC Installation Company in Charlotte, NC

Make the move toward energy efficiency in your air conditioner today. Contact All City Heat and Air to schedule a visit.