If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system this summer, you need to know how to judge their efficiency. Air conditioner efficiency is rated by their SEER number. That stands for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it applies to air conditioners and air-source heat pumps.

The SEER is determined by dividing the amount of cooling output, measured in BTUs, by the total electric energy input, measured in watt-hours. Beginning in 2006 all residential central AC units sold in the US had to have SEER ratings of 13 or higher, 14 to qualify for Energy Star status.

The bottom line is savings. By upgrading from an older unit with a SEER rating of 9 to a new one with a rating of 13, you can save as much as 30% on your cooling costs.

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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