Do you have questions about the new features in HVAC today? Your best resource for a thorough understanding of the latest equipment and what your home needs is your local HVAC specialist. The new Trane AC units are so much more efficient than the units of 20 years or so ago. Upgrading to one has so many benefits, but what exactly does efficient mean?
Air conditioners, like any other home appliance, consume energy to work. Some just happen to use less energy than others to get the same results. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), measures the energy efficiency of air conditioners so you can easily compare the energy efficiency of different air conditioners. SEER is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. SEER ratings usually range from 13 to 22. A SEER ratio is calculated over an entire cooling season using constant indoor temperature and a variety of outdoor temperatures ranging from 60 degrees to 100 plus. This is how it simulates a typical season.
A higher rating means better efficiency. Greater energy efficiency can translate into lower monthly energy costs. There are set standards for HVAC efficiency: 16 SEER and above = High efficiency, 13 SEER is the minimum allowed in Northern areas, and 14 SEER is the minimum allowed in Southeastern and Southwestern areas.
Keep in mind that SEER ratio is a maximum efficiency rating, like the miles per gallon for your car. Say your car gets 28 miles per gallon on the highway. But if you’re stuck in city traffic it’s a lot less efficient. The same goes for your air conditioner. If your SEER ratio is 21, that’s the maximum efficiency and it could be lower depending on conditions.
A higher SEER rating provides greater energy efficiency in certain conditions. The minimum standard SEER for air conditioners is 13, though most modern air conditioners have a SEER that ranges from 13 to 21. Trane air conditioners range from 14.5 SEER up to 22 SEER. But don’t forget — this rating is a maximum. The efficiency of your system can vary based on the size of your home, your current ductwork, and other variables. Even with a high SEER rating, it’s still helpful to use other energy-saving tips for the summer season.
The XV20i air conditioner has the highest efficiency rating in the Trane family of products at up to 22 SEER. With that level of energy efficiency, customers can possibly save up to 64% each year in energy costs. The XV20i is Energy Star Qualified and includes Trane’s patented TruComfort™ variable-speed system and integrated communicating technology to keep your home at an optimal temperature and avoid spikes that lead to increased energy consumption.
Give us a call at Speedy AC, and let us walk you through all your options for a new AC unit!
