Arizona has some of the hottest summers in the country, with temperatures averaging between 104℉ and 107℉. As such, if you intend to buy an install or replace your air conditioning system here, it is vital that you evaluate its energy efficiency (SEER rating).
What’s a SEER rating?
SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a standard of measuring cooling units’ efficiency. It was established by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute 
(AHRI). The SEER rating is calculated by dividing your HVAC’s cooling output by the amount of energy it consumes while generating it. The law requires that all HVAC manufacturers in the United States produce systems with a minimum SEER rating of 13. The minimum SEER rating for Arizona is 14 and higher.
To calculate your unit’s output, you need to first convert its size from tons to BTU/h by multiplying it by 12,000. For example, if you have a 4-ton unit, it would be 48,000 BTU/h. If you compare three 48,000BTU/h units with SEER ratings of 15, 20, and 25, their energy consumption will be 3200, 2400, and 1920 watts of electricity respectively. This demonstrates that the higher your system’s SEER rating, the more efficient your AC will be and thus, the lower your energy bills.
Why should SEER ratings matter to you?
As mentioned, systems with higher SEER ratings use a lower the amount of energy to cool down your home. Older cooling systems have ratings as low as 6 or even less, while modern systems’ ratings will range from the minimum of 14 to as much as 25 SEER.
In the state of Arizona, if you choose to install an AC system with a SEER rating of 16 or higher, you can also qualify for a rebate from SRP for having energy efficient equipment. Check out their program requirements to see how much you could save when installing a new air conditioner!
The system you choose will depend on the energy savings you anticipate to get from your system against its cost. Ready to learn more? Give Ocean Air a call today are 480-358-9435 or head over to our contact page!
