What Are Energy Star® & SEER Ratings & Which Do I Choose?

Energy Star and SEER ratings are both measurements of how efficient an appliance is and how much energy it uses to operate. When it comes to ductless mini splits, these values are incredibly important. But they can also be confusing to understand and compare.

Here’s what to know about Energy Star and SEER ratings for ductless HVAC systems and how Jones Services can provide you with reliable heating and cooling for your New York home. 

SEER Ratings 

SEER is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This figure applies only to air conditioners and is a measurement of how much energy a particular unit will use during a period of one year. The higher the SEER value for a unit, the more efficient it is – and the lower your annual electric bills will be.

Most air conditioner SEER ratings fall between 13 and 25, with brand new central HVAC systems falling in the 13 to 15 range. High-quality, brand name ductless mini split air conditioners can have a SEER rating of up to 20 or 25.

Expect to pay more for a highly rated AC – the better the technology is and the more energy savings you will get over time, the higher the upfront cost of the unit is going to be. But you’ll also save a lot more on the back end and the system will pay for itself faster when you’re spending less on cooling costs each season.

Energy Star®

An Energy Star label isn’t a rating but rather a title earned when an appliance scores high enough to be considered energy efficient by the government.

To earn an Energy Star certification, appliances must adhere to strict criteria determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program began in 1992 and is designed to help consumers identify and purchase more energy-efficient products for their homes and businesses.

Note that an “energy efficient” label and an Energy Star label are different. To use the term “energy efficient,” manufacturers only need to ensure the appliances use less energy than others in the same class. Energy Star certified products meet multiple data points, including yearly operating costs, electricity use, and more.

When looking at heating and cooling options for your space, it’s important to keep in mind that a ductless mini split with an Energy Star label uses 60% less power than a standard electric radiator.

How To Choose The Right System 

It’s recommended that homeowners and renters having a new system installed aim for a SEER rating of no less than 16. An air conditioner with a 16 SEER rating reduces your household’s carbon emissions by 30,000 lbs. and your cooling costs by $2,000 over the course of its lifetime. But if you have the budget, it’s better to buy an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating.

Most of the time, a system with a high SEER rating also has an Energy Star certification, but this may not always be the case so you’ll want to check for both. Here are some other useful tips to help you choose the right system for your home:

• Go off the size of your home. Your mini split can’t be either too large or too small for your space. In either case, you use more energy, drive up your electric bills, and put extra stress on your system.
• Decide how many units you want. One outdoor condenser can support up to 8 indoor units, which is plenty even for very large family homes or multi-story houses. 
• Choose the mini split mount style that you prefer. For large, expansive spaces like an open layout living room and kitchen, you may want to consider ceiling mounted units for the best airflow. Wall-mounted mini splits are also popular and there’s also the option to have a unit installed near the floor if you want both discretion and direct airflow in your space.

How Jones Services Can Help 

Comparing ductless systems can be intimidating and it can be hard to know which equipment and which ratings are the best fit for your home and budget. At Jones Services, our experienced team of NATE-certified HVAC contractors can assess your space and offer personalized recommendations for appliances Energy Star and SEER ratings that meet your needs.

Contact us by calling (845) 289-8532 to ask questions or to get more information about switching to ductless. Or, you can fill out our quick contact form and our team will get back to you.