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Understanding SEER Ratings: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Aztil –

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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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What Our Clients Think Of Us


Tino was great! He explained everything so that I could understand what was happening with my air conditioner. Aztil is lucky to have him.
On time, efficient, friendly, knowledgeable, send him next time I need service. 5 Star
Excellent service!
Michael did a GREAT job he was prompt, courteous, and punctual.
I had a great experience with Moreno today. I got a text message with tracking info when he was on his way. He made fast, easy work on my AC system, and he helped me save money on my service by helping me sign up for their yearly service program. (Worth it!)
Jordan and Hero did an amazing job. They are both knowledgeable and professional.
Thank you Aztil Air Conditioning Company . We are so happy with the services That we received. Our air conditioner is nice and cool.We are so happy with your worker Cody he is a very nice
sweet hearted and honest young man that knows what he is doing.Every time he come and do tune ups or whatever is needed it is always done right. We look forward to you serving us again in 6 months.
Michael was really great and he explained everything pretty well for me to understand
Update 8/16/2025

I’ve been a loyal customer of Aztil AC Company for several years, and I can confidently say that they have consistently demonstrated honesty, reliability, and exceptional service. My brand-new Rheem A/C unit, installed in October 2023, unfortunately required a new fan motor.

Aztil AC Company promptly sent Rafael to diagnose the issue. He efficiently completed the necessary paperwork to ensure that the part was covered by warranty. The cost of the service was $75, which included filing the paperwork and the repair.

On a Saturday at 1:00 AM, the AC unit suddenly stopped working. The next morning, at the earliest, Aztil AC Company sent Ramon to assist us. Ramon was an incredible technician! He quickly diagnosed the problem and helped us clean the AC drain line. As a result, we had cold air flowing immediately.

Ramon was not only professional but also incredibly efficient in his work.

I contacted Aztil Air Conditioning to request service for my air conditioning unit. I spoke to Ronda, who provided excellent service. She was very helpful, friendly, and had clear, professional, and transparent communication.
Response from the owner:Hi Sergey, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ronda did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Michael from Aztil came by today and fixed our AC problem. He was polite, professional, and did a great job. We are glad we have Aztils maintenance program.
I had again found that I had no ac in my house. Your tech Michael came out within 24 hours and not only fixed it, but also took the time to tell me how to stop it from happening again! He was fabulous! Even at installation, no one ever told me what I was supposed to be doing! You have a great asset in Michael!
Response from the owner:Hi Patricia, 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.
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.
Ramon explained in detail what he was doing and how to prevent issues. Ramon is a credit to Aztil. This a/c company has wonderful systems in place to protect their customers homes. Highly recommend Ramon as technician and Aztil for your a/c maintenance and repairs.
I LOVE this company and Nico is hands down the number one technician on the team. The maintenance plan is worth every penny and I never have a problem getting anyone out when I need them.
Toni did a fantastic job! I believe he also did a very thorough job in all areas of our AC unit. He advised us of some areas of our unit that was building up mold and what needed to be done. The concern I had was why no other techs that come out every 6 months hadn’t brought this to our attention. Toni is very personable and he took the time to explain everything to us and I could tell that he is concerned about customer satisfaction. Appreciated all his efforts. Excellent Tech! We will request him to come back in 6 months again!
Michael performed well and was very friendly.
Cody was extremely professional and very courteous!! His knowledge and expertise takes him a 10 plus!! When I call Aztil I only want him to service my AC..
Thank you Aztil for sending Cody for my repair. He is an asset to your team!!
Donna
Response from the owner:Dear Donna Matos, Thank you for your kind words about Jonathan M. We are glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with him and we agree that he should be training our complete service department. We are sorry for any past poor service you have experienced and we appreciate your feedback. Sincerely, Donna P. Gliner
Paul was the very best. Knowledgeable and very professional!!!
Michael is a Great Tech whom I highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Dear Jack Derriss, thank you for your fantastic review of our team members Nicholas and Jonathan. We are thrilled to hear that they provided excellent service in repairing and replacing the breaker part for you. At AZTIL, we strive to meet all of our customers' A/C and heating needs, and it means a lot to us that you highly recommend our services. If you ever require any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your support!
Tino did a very good job
I ask for him all the time
He is great
Paul was great!
Michael was polite, helpful and efficient.
Niko Garza was great.
Michael came out addressed the service problem which I really was when he cleaned out the pan and he was quick
Michael our Technician today was excellent. The inside and outside units were thoroughly examined and test equipment was applied to both of the units to show a positive outcome. Thank you for sending us Michael; we would very much like it if you would send him again. I have confidence in his work and in your companies
excellent service.
Tech Juan Ortega was great to work with. He explained everything in detail and answered all my questions. I will definitely be calling Aztil Air for my upcoming HVAC needs.
Michael King was very pleasant to communicate with and answered my questions fully.
Awesome service. Dana arrived shortly after we placed our emergency call and within a short time our AC was back up and running. Highly recommend Aztil AC!
The service tech Dana did an excellent job doing the repair of the compressor and my ac is working great again!!!! Very friendly and courteous, Highly recommend!!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Chris, 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.
Niko done a super job. Did everything involved with the a/c. He is a very nice guy. Would love to have him back. :)
Aztil is a very reliable ac company TINO did a great job with my air conditioner he took the time to explain to me how to use my thermostat and answer all my questions thank you Aztil I will recommend you to my friends and family
Michael King was amazing!!!!!!
Called them and Niko Garza was at moms house with in 15 minutes didn't take long for him to get my A/C running Niko is a nice person
Skyler and Alex did a wonderful job very pleasant guys I was very comfortable with them thank you guys for the wonderful job
Aztil tech Jorge Rivera is to be commended for staying up in my very hot attic to install my new air handler. He did a great job. His patience as I connected my new smart thermostat and set up everything so I could control my thermostat from my phone.
Thank you for your quick response and good work.
Response from the owner:Hi Lynn, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jorge did an excellent job with your new Installation and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
He was very good at what he does
Response from the owner:Hi Cheryl, We are pleased to hear you are happy with our service. We appreciate the kind words! Thank you for being a valued customer.
Cody was our technician. He promptly diagnosed the problem and fixed the problem in a timely manner. Very professional.
Response from the owner:Hi Frank, 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.
Paul came to check the A/C compressor and handler. Took pictures and showed me. Both units were disgustng.. He gave me the amt of replacing. I Absolutely agreed. Then Neraldo and another Technician came and installed the AC units. Next
Jordan and Adrian came and cleaned all vents and ducts. All 5 of them were excellent and friendly. Also gave me the info on what was being done. 5 stars for each one of them. Highly recommend

I have had a Dual Inverter installed in my back room. Jorge did the install and was Terrific. He worked his butt off and in the heat. David his helper was on the go the whole time. This is my 2nd AC install with Aztil AC and I would Highly reccommend them. They are polite, efficient, and hard workers. Thank you So Much Jorge and David. If I could go over 5 I would give you 10 stars.
Response from the owner:Hi Barbara, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Paul, Neraldo, Jordan and Adrian did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Great duct cleaning work performed today. Jordan and Hero were very profesional, productive and attentive. Extremely thorough work was performed.
Response from the owner:Hi Frank, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.
Response from the owner:Hi Jay, thank you for the great Review! Thank you for being a valued customer.
Ramon was my Technician today. He is a young man [24] who was knowledgeable, courteous, and very quick to solve the problem. An excellent addition to the Aztil family!
Gary Dubler
Boynton Beach
Response from the owner:Hi Gary, 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.

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