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SEER And AC Replacement – What You Need To Know

Right about now homeowners across the region are turning their air conditioners on for the first time this season, and some will get an unwelcome surprise—a broken cooling system. Since central air conditioners (CAC) have an average lifespan of 12-15 years, many people that are looking for an AC replacement have lots of questions. We often receive inquiries about the increased efficiency of current units and how the SEER rating should play into their decision on air conditioner replacement.

First Things First—What Exactly is SEER?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a measurement comparing the efficiency of different air conditioning systems. SEER is calculated by dividing the total cooling output in a cooling season by the total electrical output in that same cooling season—the higher the SEER, the more efficient your air conditioner. Currently, Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations in conjunction with the province regulates the minimum SEER rating of residential equipment, and many IESO incentives are aimed at replacing outdated and inefficient AC models with their high efficiency counterparts.

How Does SEER Factor into AC Replacement?

It’s important to have a high SEER rating to ensure that your unit is energy efficient—helping both the Earth and your wallet. But don’t be fooled into thinking that buying an AC with the highest SEER available is always the best option.

Local Climate
When determining SEER, an average summer temperature of 28 degrees Celsius is used. If the summer climate in your area is significantly warmer or cooler than 28 degrees, the efficiency of your AC replacement could be different than the SEER rating. Additionally, the SEER is an average rating over the whole summer—meaning that at certain points in the season, the efficiency of the unit could dip (or drastically increase).

Condition of the Home
A high-efficiency air conditioner will not work as expected if your home is not properly insulated or if the ducts in your home are improperly sealed. The best air conditioner on the market cannot overcome the problem of cool air escaping your house as fast as it’s being produced.

SEER ratings are an important consideration when performing AC replacement, but aren’t the only factor to consider when replacing your unit. A certified air conditioner professional will perform a detailed analysis of your home to ensure the correct AC replacement is installed to meet your needs and keep your monthly energy bills low.

Martino HVAC only hires the best technicians in the area. All our employees are licensed, certified and have undergone a complete background check.