Quote:
Originally Posted by HJBeck
You’ve got your moneys worth out of it, time for a new one. If you can, go for the highest SEER rated unit you can, it will save the cost of the entire unit over the life of the unit. SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. In the USA a SEER rating of 14 is the lowest rating that can be sold. SEERS OF 16 and 19 are much better, but you’ll have sticker shock. The higher the SEER the quieter they usually are as well, and you get better product warranties.
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While a high SEER unit will definitely save electric billl somewhat I wonder how many years it will take to recoup the price difference? Don't forget, people around here aren't likely to be around for "the life of the (new) unit".
Of course it depends on how much electric you use but my computed SECO
AVERAGE bill for 2021 was $1651/12=137.58 (2/2 1200 sq ft) with 2 highest months around $280. We keep temp at 78 all day and 71 between midnight and 7:30am. We still have the original 14 SEER circa 2009 Carrier unit that was here when we moved in in 2017. I have changed the compressor capacitor 3 times in close to 6 years and the AH capacitor 1 time at about $10 or less each and it's still going strong (KNOCK WOOD, PLASTIC METAL and anything else around). How much could I REALLY save with a super high efficiency model (other than what the salesmen tell you). I'm 75. I believe I'll be pushing up daisies before the savings is covered. No, I don't care about the next owners whoever they are.
Sometimes I think the SEER rating is just a bit overplayed simply to sell a more expensive system. Kind of like the EPA mileage ratings of a vehicle. Even if I saved 20% ($330) over a year I can't see the reason to invest a couple of thousand more up front.