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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Mark Ellis

Dana. Ultimate Service guy.
Respectfully yours Mark Ellis

Vicki Sawyer

Paul Gross with Aztil Air Conditioning was prompt, professional and courteous. He immediately found a major issue with my unit that would have caused a great deal of damage if left unresolved. He immediately did the paperwork to have a new unit installed the next day and I am extremely grateful for his expertise in making it all happen. Thank you Paul!!!!

lisa livshin

Niko did an excellent service maintenance for us today!

Response from the owner:Hi Lisa, we're so glad to hear that Josh and Ricardo did a great job! Thank you for your kind words. We truly appreciate your feedback.

Demora Centera

Dana came out today, 9/17/25 to clean my evaporation coils and install a UV light. Professional, curteous and knowledgeable. A 5 star experience.

Shirley Hopkins

Toni Goren

Our Aztil technician Paul Gross was so knowledgeable and knew more than any AC technician we have encountered in years. We actually got resolutions to AC problems that other techs did not or could not address in 10 years of having the same issue resurfacing. KUDOS John Gross!

Diana Martinez

Dana dissolution, technician, was great. Punctual, called before and did a great job.

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

E Smith

Michael King is an outstanding ac tech. He is professional, knowledgeable and very responsible. We have 2 different systems and he knew details on both. Thank you!!!

Bret

I have been under contract with this Aztil since 2013. They have kept me going since. Just got my regular 6 month tune-up, and my technician, Elder Z. was excellent, very helpful, and answered all my questions. Highly recommend this business.

Response from the owner:Hi Bret, We're glad to hear that the technicians were courteous of your belongings and that Patty was helpful in scheduling the service. We take pride in our customer service and we appreciate your feedback. Thank you for choosing us for your duct cleaning needs.

Patricia Fannin

Michael was very professional and curiously

alexander goncalves

I had Michael king as my technician.
He is a professional he represented the company very well. Very knowledgeable about the job . Patient in explaining his workload. He is a great addition to any business and aztil air have a treasure in their hand . I encourage you the experience.

Margaret Oneal

Altea

Antonio was the best!

joseph fiore

Nico

Ruth

Michael K. came out and did a wonderful job. There was condensation on my air filter and I was concerned about a leak. He was very thorough and made sure all avenues were checked. He also answered my questions and showed me parts on my AC. Great service!

Ana Maria Mini

Niko was great.

Cynthia Dagan

Niko was very patient and professional. Looking forward to cleaning this system.
He was great!

bernice demanche

Niko came out promptly on a Saturday and fixed my problem easily. Great customer service

Response from the owner:Bernice Demanche, I'm glad to hear that Dana provided prompt service and fixed the issue easily. Excellent customer service can really make a difference in situations like these.

Sonya S

Niko was great- very informative

Nell McLamb

Niko very nice and did a good job explaining.

HOMETOWN LANDSCAPING CO.

Niko, great service! Thank you!

Leslie Sigale

Scott McKeon

Niko was personable and knowledgeable

Alice Doyle

Antonio was great and he was personable and I really do like him the next time that I have a visit from you guys it will be from him and I almost decided not to use you guys no more because of the other two gentlemen that came they were young boys, and they did not do things properly, but Antonio was very very good and I really liked himHe was very professional so thank you very much for letting Antonio come and giving yourself a second chance have a blessed day.

Al Levy

Nicholas (I think that’s his name) was very thorough and knowledgeable. I’m going to take his recommendation for a UV light. Please send him back to install when I order it. He furthers my trust in Aztil.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your review, Al Levy. We're so glad you had a positive experience with our appliance repair services!

Betty Brousseau

Very happy with the service provided by Niko

Rick Riccardi

Technician Lazaro Powery arrived much sooner than I expected. He looked professional, and his behavior matched his appearance. I really enjoyed our brief personal chat. I always ask people I deal with if their company treats its employees well, as it matters to me. I was happy to hear that he enjoys his employment with Aztil.

His professionalism and attitude well matched his positive comments. I'm not surprised as I find Aztil to be excellent people to deal with in all requests and transactions. Lazaro sets a good example for Aztil. Thanks for sending him. When he asked, I signed another one-year service contract

Judith Vile

I had 3 terrific technicians Paul Gross who found the problem fixed it but also found a leak so I had 2 technicians Jordan and Hero come and do the duct work I was so impressed by all 3 of them their knowledge professional and the enjoyment in doing the work for their clients I give all 3 of 10 gold stars😀

Daniel Upbin

AZTIL is a real COOL company and Jackie my rep @Aztil responds ASAP when I get HOT on the phone. Seriously Jackie’s the nicest person. I don’t want to leave anyone out but Juan the technician goes above and beyond trying to solve my HVAC problems.

Brent Headberg (SummerSky 3DCAD)

Alex was very thorough and knowledgeable.

Kathy Pollett

Tino was professional and friendly. Thank you for a great service over the years.

benny pittari

I have used aztill air conditioning service for over 15 years. They have always been prompt and have always done a great job. I recently would like to praise Dana who came to my home today and his boss Jack for the great price. My wife and I feel blessed to have found them. They have been reasonable in their prices and the technician are right on point. Thank you Aztill Air. 😁😃

anna karachristos

This was my first experience with Aztil as a new homeowner. I purchased a service agreement which I thought was reasonably priced. My first scheduled maintenance was this past week by Michael King .He was extremely professional, knowledgeable and very kind in explaining everything I needed to know. He made a great suggestion in which I followed through with. He’s an asset to this very professional company. Thank you Aztil and Jonathan for a job well done!

larry nyman

Mike came by for an A/C maintenance check up. He came on time and was very friendly and professional.

Response from the owner:Hi Larry, thank you for taking the time to leave us such a positive review about Fabio. We are delighted to hear that he was on time and provided excellent service. We appreciate your feedback and are glad that you had a good experience. Thanks again!

Carole Michel

Excellent service very knowledgeable Niko send him hereafter

Marvin Kaplan

Tino was exceptional in sevicing both of my AC its. I renewed my contract with Aztil and I look forward in having Tino service me again Thanks for great service

Kath bruce

I had to have my air conditioning HVAC system replaced. I bought RHEEMS from them nine years ago or just shy of nine years ago and I had to have the whole thing replaced. It had a leak. The pressure was down 3 pounds and to pay $475 only because I had a contract with them otherwise it would’ve been 675 to check for the leak.. I decided to replace it cause I knew it was around the corner anyhow. They installed it the next day I couldn’t have been more pleased. It was effortless. It took them a while because we had some rain on and off and they couldn’t be on the roof, but they came at 9:30 and they left at 3 o’clock. I thought they did very well. They left my house clean as a button just exactly the way they found it. They were very polite and did everything that they were supposed to do in a very neat and tidy and timely manner.

Nina Kilroy

Jorge and David were the installers today. They were timely, professional, mannerly, exceptionally clean and efficient. And Sabrina in their office went beyond in responding as the cost of new units today is sticker shock!

kathy cummings

Nico is absolutely amazing! Very informative and an excellent technician! This is the second time we’ve had him and he’s great

Response from the owner:Hi Kathy, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ramon was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!

Lisa and Scott Pullman

After 40 hours without A/C in August we were saved by Rafael. He was polite, professional and courteous. He is an asset to the company. On another note, the scheduling system used for after hours is quite poor and needs to be looked into. Thank goodness Jackie called us and attempted to remedy the situation.

jane

Naraldo Bunsie did an excellent job installing my new Trane A/C! Thanks !

juddy henry

Michael was very knowledgeable and efficient in providing service for us today. We’d love for him to come again

Larry Zauder

Your service techs and general service has improved since the corporate take over. Raphael Curci was efficient and kept us u[p to date on the progress of the installation. The person I'd like to call out as exemplary was Nico who guided us through the process and went out of his way to help us through this time. Ultimately the air handler was faulty and it took several visits to repair it. Meanwhile the handler leaked water all over the garage ceiling ruining it and causing damage to my model trains beneath. In addition the last tech broke my cable power supply which he had no business touching. I had to call Xfinity to come as an emergency for which they charged me $150.00. I will also be sending Aztil a bill for the repair of my ceiling and any damage done to my model trains.

Don Walling

Dana just finished a service call. He was very professional and explained to me what he was doing and gave me tips for the future. I have been an Aztil customer for many years and people like Dana keep me coming back.

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

davidsflorida

Michael was efficient and thorough. I am very pleased with this service.

Response from the owner:Thank you

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