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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Stephen Atria

Thank you Alex who diagnosed my AC issue quickly,! your superior technical skills and customer service have not gone unnoticed. Alex made my experience a pleasant one, even though my AC motor went and it needs to be ordered, the good news is it’s under warranty🤷🏼‍♂️

Helen Kraft

Today I had a repair/replacement done by Alex Molina
Alex is knowledgeable and explains what has to be done and it will be done
He is very polite, cleans up after himself and never complained about being in the sun for the number of hours that he had to be there to work
If anybody needs work and is lucky enough for Alex Molina to be your tech all will be done right
Thank you, Alex

John Izsak

On the ball. Courteous and efficient. Initially forgot to install cement pad, but did so when deficiency pointed out to him. Generally very pleased.

Wendy Kozlow

Michael King gave me outstanding service for a recent maintenance visit. He is informative, polite and above all professional. He answered all my questions and gave me good tips for ongoing maintenance.

Good job

They were excellent

Response from the owner:Hi Norman, 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.

Diana Martinez

Alez molina was excellent! Kind, proficient and efficient. Worked quickly. Am so grateful.

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.

Lisa Haber

Jordan & Herolson did a great job cleaning my ductwork. They arrived on time, were very nice, polite & efficient. Jordan explained everything clearly. They cleaned up thoroughly when they were done. The popcorn from my ceilings was everywhere, but they took care of it. Five stars.

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

Debra Johnson

Niko is always a competent , pleasant professional who assists me with my air conditioning units.

AZTIL responds to my calls in a timely manner.

Response from the owner:Hi Debra, 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.

Carol Perrine

Jordan an hero where effective angel. They explained evdrthing and extremely pleasant

Response from the owner:Hi Carol, 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.

Karen Ponder

Tino was friendly, professional and very helpful

Response from the owner:Hi Karen, 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.

Mel Shulman

Dana was great!! Suggested a cut off switch to stop the water backup
Installed it right away

Response from the owner:Hi Mel, 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.

Susan Kryl

Aztil is always so reliable.
Dana came today, diagnosed my A/C problem and took care of right away.
Terrific service! Thank you, Dana!

Response from the owner:Hi Susan, 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.

Virginia Pacelli

Best workers, Jordan,and Hero.

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

Jake Lepoff

Thanks to Aztil AC! One of our A/C units broke down unexpectedly, and Anthony got Lazaro out to us right away the next morning. Lazaro was excellent and he found the problem with our unit very quickly. We really appreciate their quick action and professional expertise. Outstanding service from start to finish!

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

Justin Lazzara

Just has Dana come as soon as Aztil can get there team there for our family. Dana was friendly, professional and knew his stuff.

Response from the owner:Hi Justin, 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.

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!

June 2 2025 Thank you Cody! It is a relief to finally have the A/C back to what it should be. The replacement of the coil is probably what was needed a month ago. Rather than dwell on what was, I truly appreciate the replacement service and how kind you were to a grieving widow.

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.

Don Walling

Angel and his crew

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.

David Schwarz

Tino Costanzo did an excellent job. Extremely helpful in adding to the efficiency of the operation of our air conditioning unit.

Response from the owner:Hi David, 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.

Walter Grimsley

This is the second time Michael King has serviced my AC for AZTIL. He is always pleasant and courteous. He explains all he does to the unit and answers all questions I may have. He is very thorough. Great asset to the company. The trainee (Skyler) with him today has a very good teacher and seems to be on his way to being a positive service tech.

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

Steven Pyenson

Response from the owner:Hi Steven, 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.

Jazziz

Lazaro was excellent. Full explanation of services. I would like to get him for any future services. I'd like to add that I was pleased with the vent cleaning that was performed by Alex Molina and his assistant.

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

Patricia Dale

I had woken up to no ac in my house. I contacted aztil on a Saturday at 5 pm and their technician called me back within a half hour. His name was Tino, he said that he would be there within 30 minutes…. And he was! He figured out the problem in 10 minutes and he solved it! Excellent service! Thank you so very much!

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.

Ray Ferrara

Wow, the scheduling process was a challenge, but our service tech Niko Garza was a grand slam. He more than made up for the scheduling challenges. We’ve been Aztil customers since 2017…. Scheduling was much stronger up until about a year ago, service techs have always been great. Peter, one of the schedulers also can in for the save!

Hey I need to update this 5 Star review, it needs to be a 10…. We needed a new system, boom, done in one day! Our tech, Asiel Barreto was tremendous. He even worked us through the process of using a NEST thermostat- Jackie in the central office rocked us through all the paperwork. This is why we are Aztil for life!

Response from the owner:Hi Ray, 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.

Jeffrey Kassover

Jordan was awesome. Nice to work with, fast and efficient.

Response from the owner:Hi Jeffrey, 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.

Lance Cooper

Ramon is always on time, polite, knowledgeable and efficient. AC unit has been performing reliably and efficiently.

Response from the owner:Hi Lance, 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.

chloe zoe margiloff

Nico was very knowledgeable and did a great job getting our ac working again

Response from the owner:Hi Chloe, 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.

Madelyn Fernstrom

A+ job from two great professionals - Jordan and Hero. A big job - that they explained completely - and they were not only great technically, but very tidy and cleaned everything up after! And really great guys! Highly, highly recommend them - a great team!

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

halz7 G

TINO from Aztil is very professional he came and replace a part under warranty at no cost and in no time Aztil is very reliable I’m a happy customer thank you very much for a great service

Response from the owner:Hi Halz, 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.

Jerry Weissman

Nico my service tech was very knowledgeable, courteous and thorough. Very pleased with my service.

Response from the owner:Hi Jerry, 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.

Beth White

Response from the owner:Hi Beth, 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.

Lynda Mintz

Dana & Michael did an excellent job replacing my drain lines. They arrived on time & worked hard to finish the job in record time so I was without air conditioning in 1/2 the time expected!

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

franny Armstrong

Dana and Niko were great. They did a really good job.

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

Paul Wrubleski

Antonio & Jordan are highly professional maintenance technicians. They performed a full system overview and my AC is working great! I highly recommend them - Jeff Steinberg

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

sherry

Luzaro did an excellent job. He got to the problem quickly and is very knowledgeable. Great service. Thank you

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

Myra luzardo

Update: I had Left. A bad review for this company. I had the new manager Anthony reach out to me and he helped me get my whole situation fixed. The solution was to switch back to a basic AC model that would benefit me and also be easy to work on. Anthony was great! He returned all my calls in a timely manner and helped ease my worries. Aztil finally switched out my unit and refunded me the difference. The installers were great and my experience was stellar. Def changed my look on the company. I appreciated the customer service and the communication. New management made a difference.

Previous review 3/2025
This company is the worst!! The previous AC that I used Was sold to them and I thought I could Trust them like the last company! I spent Over 12k for a unit in May 2024 along with a 5yr service contract!!! that the salesman said would be the best unit and solve all my hot spot issues. Well it hasn’t! And because my “best” unit is digital NO TECHNICIAN knows how to work the unit. They are constantly calling tech support and still no one knows. I’ve had 4 different technicians here and no one knows what the hell they are doing!! I have Had technicians out 7 times to my home bc the humidity stays at 65-68%. No one knows how to adjust it. I called For emergency service on a Friday night bc my unit stopped working. They told me they wouldn’t have anyone until Thursday!! Do not use this company. They never call you back. Management does not respond. So unprofessional! I have Been trying to contact someone for over a week and no one ever returns my calls!! DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY.

Response from the owner:Hi Myra, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil was able to address your concerns and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Demora Centera

I've been using Aztil for over 10 years. Always prompt, polite, knowledgeable, and professional. Today (Memorial Day), my AC went out. Within 2 hours, Albert was at my house and fixed the issue quickly. I would recommend Aztil to anyone based on my own personal experience with them.

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

Bob Olson

The 4-stars is because I wasn’t informed of a scheduling change. After a little confusion regarding the appointment time the technician, Michael King contacted me. He arrived at the updated time. Was very professional and kept me informed about the service. He completed the job, cleaned up afterwards and thanked me for being a customer.

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

Cesar Izique

My service call was simple just clean the pipes. I asked the agent what was covered before I accepted and they stated clearing the pipes and other checkup. Well it did not turn out to be TRUE. I was charged for labor , materials(!) and other nonsense. NOT a Happy camper no one likes surprises! They are out of my list.

Response from the owner:Hello Cesar, Thank you for taking time to provide feedback about your experience with our company. We completely understand your frustration and apologize for any dissatisfaction that may have caused your day. We are eager to discuss this experience with you. Please call our customer service manager, Jack. He can be reached at (561) 202-8726. It is our goal to make sure we resolve any issue we can and look forward to speaking with you.

Robert Lefleur

It always seems that the air conditioner breaks down on a hot day.
Well, Aztil is cool under pressure.
First, Paul came out and diagnosed the problem and ordered the replacement parts. Making sure I got the best price.
Then, Dana showed up at my house ready to fix it.
And when it seemed things weren't quite right, Dana returned at 7:30 pm. - ON A FRIDAY NIGHT - to make sure it was A-Okay.

Aztil is definitely the company for our household.

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

George Stamas

Michael King did a superb maintenance job. Plus, he made an extra effort to locate and install a part several hours after his first visit. Well done, Michael.

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

Andrea Cheney

Dana was tech

Came out and went through central system and outside unit. Replaced thermostat as wasn’t reading correctly which was throwing hvac off from normal operation temps

Response from the owner:Hi Andrea, 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.

Joseph Downey

Dana Dussaualt did a great job on are annual maintence checkup. Very detailed inspection. Aztec has all ways provided great service.

Response from the owner:Hi Joseph, 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.

Lynda Paci

Jordan and hero were phenomenal sealing my air duct system and cleaning my ducts very professional and cleaned up well thank you

Response from the owner:Hi Lynda, 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.

michele marsh

Response from the owner:Hi Michele, 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.

Laura Trivonovich

Excellent response & service, ANTONIO Certified Rheem Repair Tech, followed by
CODY Coil Repair Specialist who was equally professional, courtesy & comprehensive information. Above & beyond expectations! Thank u AZTIL👏🏼

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

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