One of the great things about a ductless mini-split system is that it can be quite energy efficient. This is due in part to the use of indoor blowers that help you customize your cooling and if you have a heat pump, heating. But you can maximize the energy efficiency of your ductless system by choosing a ductless system that is considered high efficiency. What does this mean? A high efficiency ductless mini-split system for your Atlanta home is one that has a SEER rating over 15, which is two levels higher than the mandated SEER of 13. How is this important? We’ll explain more below.
SEER Ratings
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio and it tells you, on a scale of 1 to 26, how energy efficient your air conditioner will be; the higher the SEER number, the better the energy efficiency. In 2006, the federal law regarding the minimum required SEER for air conditioners was updated, raising the minimum from 10 to 13.
To be considered high efficiency, an air conditioner has to have an even higher minimum SEER than the mandated SEER, so high-efficiency air conditioners typically start at SEER 16 and go all the way to 26. Why is this important? It’s estimated by the EPA that each SEER point higher on the SEER scale can save you an average of 10% on your annual cooling costs.
This means that if you replace an older AC with a SEER of 13 with a new AC that has a SEER of 18, you could save up to 50% on your annual cooling expenses. However, it’s important to keep in mind that high-efficiency systems typically have higher initial costs, so it’s important to balance these costs before purchasing and installing.
Ask a Professional
The best way to assess if a high efficiency ductless mini-split system is a good choice for your Atlanta home is to work with a trained professional. The AC experts at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems can help you choose and install a high-efficiency ductless system that will work for you, your home and your budget.