HVAC SEER Rating: A Homeowner's Guide to Energy Efficiency

Understanding SEER Ratings: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Aztil – April 16, 2025

When it’s time to replace your climate control system, you get a lot of information thrown at you. The size of the unit in tonnage and the HVAC SEER rating. What does SEER even mean? Why should it matter to a homeowner? You feel like the HVAC company has its own language.

The SEER rating influences your energy bills, home comfort, and environmental footprint, so you need to consider the best rating for your needs. We want to help you understand this rating system, how it affects your HVAC system, and what to consider when choosing a new one.

What Is an HVAC SEER Rating?

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating measures the efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump over the cooling season. It’s a way for you to easily compare one unit’s efficiency over another. A higher SEER rating indicates a higher efficiency.

How SEER Is Calculated

To get the SEER, you divide the unit’s cooling output over a season by the total electricity it consumes. For example, if a unit has a SEER rating of 18, it puts off 18 BTUs for every watt-hour of electricity it uses.

Why Does SEER Matter?

Does the SEER really matter? Yes, and here’s why.

Energy efficiency and lower utility bills: With a higher HVAC SEER rating, it takes less energy to cool your home, lowering your utility bills. When you upgrade from a model with a 10 SEER to one with a 16 SEER, you can save between 30 and 40 percent of your cooling costs.
Improved home comfort: Units with higher SEER ratings feature variable-speed compressors and fans, helping maintain more consistent indoor temperatures while reducing humidity. It also avoids frequent on/ off cycles and runs more quietly.
Environmental benefits: You reduce your home’s carbon footprint with increased efficiency. Most units with a high SEER provide eco-friendly refrigerants that comply with AIM Act regulations.

What Is a Good SEER Rating for Florida Homes?

We all know that the roads in Florida shimmer in the summer because the heat is melting them, and this is why you rely on your air conditioner to be in top form and energy efficient. Choosing the proper rating can help save you money while increasing your comfort. Here’s what you need to know:

Minimum: 15 SEER, required by law
Better Efficiency: 16-18 SEER
Best Performance: 20+ SEER

The ideal balance between cost and energy efficiency typically falls between 16 and 18 SEER.

SEER Rating vs. Real-World Savings

With a higher SEER and better energy efficiency, factors still affect your actual savings, such as home insulation, ductwork condition, and thermostat settings.

HVAC SEER Rating Savings Comparison

Here’s a look at the savings you can expect:

Upgrading from 10 SEER to 15 SEER saves around 33 percent
Upgrading from 10 SEER to 18 SEER saves around 44 percent
Upgrading from 10 SEER to 20+ SEER saves around 50 percent

A unit with a higher SEER does cost more upfront, but in the long run, it saves you money.

Choosing the Right SEER for Your Home

The SEER rating isn’t the only factor you should consider when it’s time to buy a new cooling unit for your home. Here are a few other factors to consider:

Size and layout of the home: You need a professional load calculation to ensure that you get the correct unit size for maximum efficiency.
Smart thermostat: This thermostat can help improve efficiency even more.
Condition of the ductwork: Leaking or uninsulated ductwork lowers efficiency even with a higher SEER-rated unit.
Budget and return on investment (ROI): You should consider your overall savings throughout the life of the unit.

Is a Higher SEER Always Better?

No, it isn’t. Even though a unit with a higher HVAC SEER rating offers better energy efficiency, it costs more upfront. To determine the best SEER for your home, consider:

How often do you run the air conditioning
How long do you plan to stay where you live
Your budget for a new system
Your home’s level of insulation and energy efficiency

If your home has an outdated HVAC system, an upgraded SEER rating can save you a lot of money.

Upgrade to a High-SEER HVAC System With Aztil Air

When it’s time to upgrade your HVAC system, Aztil Air is the company you can trust. We offer a selection of high SEER-rated air conditioners to help keep your home cool, comfortable, and cost-effective year-round. Contact us today to explore your options and find the perfect unit for your home.

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Donna Simon

Dana was so kind, courteous and most professional. He came right after Christmas to service our air conditioner that wasn’t working. He is an asset to your company.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words, Donna Simon! We are so glad to hear that Juan Ortega provided excellent service. He is indeed an asset to our company and we appreciate your feedback.

rory doyle

Ramon was an excellent technician to service our A/C unit. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. Highly recommend!

Ilene Mack

Nico and Adrian were great. Cleaned my ac and found an oil leak. Very personable.

Estrella Castro

Niko and Adrian were very professional and knowledgeable and efficient in the service they provided. They were very helpful in pointing out what I will be needing in the near future and what my options would be I was very pleased with their service.

Karl Lundquist

Beatriz Magaña

Jordan y Adrian fueron muy profesionales. Nos explicaron muy bien todo lo que hicieron, tomaron fotos del antes y después.
Dejaron todo limpio y en orden.

CIHRHH H.

Rafael and Asiel installed my new A/C today. They were super. Everything went as planned. I am a happy camper.

Frank Waters

Dana was excellent and very professional.
I would recommend him and will ask for him in the future.

John Nelson

On time, know his job, well done!!
Very much satisfied ! Marc was a pleasure to have in our home! Even the bulldog liked him!!

Melissa Paige

Lazaro was efficient, fast & punctual. He got our unit fixed with cool air running in no time. Thank you for fixing our AC!

michael maier

Alvin Hagans

Excellent job by Niko

Timothy Shay

Rafael was great. He explained what he was doing throughout his repair

David Wind

Our air conditioner broke down. We called Atzil and they sent Antonio Moreno over within an hour. He assessed the problem to be a burned out motor and ordered the new one. It was still under warranty. He said it would be in within two days and installed so hopefully that’ll be so and
I will update this when that happens

Sandra Sheptin

Dana was excellent!!! Highly recommend him to everyone!

Cari Adamonis

The AC maintenance service was excellent. Niko Garza was professional, helpful, kind, and was instrumental in arranging for the next Senior Technician to solve the AC problem that I am having. That service will be sometime today. He also recommended the dryer vent cleaning and the in-line AC cleaning, of which I scheduled for Monday and paid today. My husband has been very ill for the past 4 years and in the hospital right now. Aztil has arranged the services, after Niko explained the situation, so that they will be completed before he comes home because a patient on oxygen and a feeding tube cannot be without power to the whole house, even a short shut down would endanger him. Thank you Niko!

Technician Rick Cochran did an excellent job replacing the AC breaker and ensuring that everything was in correct working condition. I really appreciated his kindness and professional demeanor. Thank you Rick!

Today Technician Alex Molina completed the services (dryer lint trap cleaning and inline air handler cleaning). Once again, I was fortunate to have a professional, gracious, and thoughtful person come to my house to perform the services. Thank you so much Alex!

Response from the owner:Hi Admonis, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Rita Tellasson

Niko great performance

Response from the owner:Hi Rita, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

ENRICO MARTINO

TVery good service from Niko

Lisa Rodin-Gardner

Excellent service and communication! Very professional!

Lisa

Excellent communication and service!

Terry johnson

Isaac Smalls

Niko did a professional job on my air conditioner maintenance . He was courteous and knowledgeable of all aspects of the service he performed. Niko is an asset to Aztil Air Conditioner Company.

Ana A

Wow! I am beside myself with my tech Antonio M. What service, humanity, promptness & knowledge. After dealing with 2 other AC companies and a lot of dissapointments this was a breath of fresh air. People don't think twice about using Aztil. Trust me.

Marci Phillips

Nino did a ac tuneup, spent the time to check everything and even changed the thermostat batteries for me.

Response from the owner:Hi Marci, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Mel Thomas

Good job!
Niko

Response from the owner:Hi Mel, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Ron Shenker

Dana, the service tech, is amazing. He listened to how we described the issue with our air conditioner. He examined the unit saw the problem and worked tirelessly to replace the fan motor. He had to leave to get the part. Was quick to return and worked neatly and cleanly to replace the part and to get the unit running like new. He was absolutely the best. We are very impressed with his knowledge and expertise and he has a very nice personality.

Response from the owner:Hi Ron, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Daphne Diaz

Dana was great. Very quick and knowledgeable in this field. Highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Hi Daphne, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Steve Richmond

Pleasant and very professional

Response from the owner:Hi Steve, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Terri Stetz

Antonio Moreno serviced three of my properties today. He was so polite and professional with excellent communication skills and made me feel like he cared about taking care of my AC systems-not just going through the motions. Great personality.

Response from the owner:Hi Terri, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Antonio did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Yvonne Cacioli

Thank you for sending Niko for my AC maintenance service today. He is professional and friendly and I would welcome him to come to my house for all of my future maintenance calls.

Response from the owner:Hi Yvonne, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Sandra Hoyos

Nico Garza was our tech and he was great! Explained everything, was patient, extremely helpful and respectful.

Response from the owner:Hi Sandra, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Giorgio Niro

Dana Dussualt to the rescue! Thank you for finding the leak in our HVAC ordering the part and making the repair.

Response from the owner:Hi Giorgio, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Frederick Wax

Excellent personality . Neat and thorough.

Marsha Lavender

Niko was excellent! Very nice young man. When I need maintenance in the future please add him to my account as my preference for any return visits.

The Journey Supportive Housing Inc.

Nicklaus was prompt and on time, he was also very courteous and clean.

Response from the owner:Hi, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

jagman8f

Nice, pleasant guy. Went straight to his work. Explained what and why he was doing what he did. Tried to upsell a bit but was not nasty when I declined. Altogether, a good experience.

Response from the owner:Hi Jagman8f, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Devon Nola

I’ve been using Aztil for quite some time. This time, my outdated thermostat blew. After a tough few days without AC, Rick Cochran came to the rescue. He’s a lovely man and did a superb job installing the new thermostat and now I’m on my way to a comfortable environment. He also didn’t mind my dog being his helper.
Thanks so much, Rick.

Response from the owner:Hi Devon, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Rick did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

nikki christy

Niko Garza was prompt, efficient and very courteous!

Response from the owner:Hi Nikki, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Susan Perham

Nico was polite, professional, and didn’t leave until he made sure everything was finished correctly. I would definitely recommend Aztil.

Response from the owner:Hi Susan, thank you for your positive review of Niko. We appreciate your kind words and are so glad to hear that he was able to help you with your issue. Have a great day!

Ivy Katowitz

Dana was wonderful. Came to service air conditioner unit. Prompt, knowledgeable and nice to boot. Got the system running again

Response from the owner:Hi Ivy, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Mary ann Lattman

He was very Polite and he got the job done

Response from the owner:Hi Mary ann, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Cindy Liberty

Cody Richardson from Aztil Air Conditioning was great. He was professional, pleasant, efficient, informative, timely and answered all our questions. I would highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Hi Cindy, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Cody did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

DAQ Equine

Rafael got my air conditioner up and running!

Response from the owner:Hi DAQ, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Rafael did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Carolyn Picinich

Tino was very knowledgeable and did his job well.

Response from the owner:Hi Carolyn, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Tino did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Lisa Leonard - Reese

If I could leave ten stars I would! Went under an annual contract two years ago and have had just about every service since. Every technician has been great but Ricardo is the absolute best. He and his team were professional and easy to talk to and I learned about the inner workings of the system so I can have a better idea of how to maintain optimum performance. Cleaning the ducts is often a huge mess and I didn’t find a single bit of debris even in the most awkward places. There are few businesses you can just trust and this is one of them.

I’m updating this to say I am still under contract with them and technicians Rafael and Adrian went above and beyond working on a broken motor and cleaning the blower which took hours. Rafael is extremely knowledgeable and patient as he explained several different options available to deal with a 30 year+ dirty duct system. In the end we are going with a duct cleaning plus aero seal which is about half the cost of a full duct replacement. In find them trust worthy.

Response from the owner:We are overjoyed to hear that our service has exceeded your expectations and you would have given us ten stars if possible. Being on an annual contract for the past two years, you have availed a majority of our services and we are pleased to know that every technician has been great but Ricardo stands out as the best. He and his team were professional and easy to communicate with and you were able to learn more about your system and how to maintain it. We are especially pleased to hear that you were impressed with the thoroughness of the cleaning of the ducts, with no debris found even in hard-to-reach areas. We are honored that you consider us as a business you can trust, and we will continue to work hard to earn that trust and provide exceptional service to all of our customers.

Kenneth Ciani

Mark O*Connel responded to service my AC unit. He was friendly. Explained what he was going to do. Completed all tasks and gave me some good advice to keep my unit running correctly. Very satisfied with service.

Response from the owner:Hi Kenneth, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Marco did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Sheryl Cholish

The technician was wonderful! Curtious, professional and made me feel very comfortable. He explained everything so that I understood it. HIghly recommend this company.

Response from the owner:Hi Sheryl, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Anne Louise

Excellent service. Ramon was outstanding

Response from the owner:Hi Anne, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Julie Pollitz

Jordan and Adrian came to clean my a/c ducts and seal my HVAC system. They could not have been nicer, more professional, knowledgeable or polite. They were unbelievably helpful and took the time to explain things so I understood what was going on. I highly recommend Aztil and would request Jordan and Adrian for any future work.

Response from the owner:Hi Julie, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Paul did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

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