An abbreviation for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio it is unit which helps you understand how efficient your air conditioning unit will be. What the SEER actually provides is a ratio of the cooling output and the power required for that. Of course other variables like climate are also factored in while measuring the SEER ratings for a particular model.

The higher the SEER rating for you air conditioner the better it is for you. Of course, if you want a unit with higher SEER rating you will have to pay extra, but in the long run it is you who stand to gain. And this is because you will be saving much more on your electricity bills than you had been previously. In fact it takes about three to four years for you to appreciate the extra dollars you had paid. Since investing in an air conditioner is a long term thing, you can give yourself three to four years.

So, if you are planning to repair your old air conditioner, our advice would be to get a new one, one with a SEER rating of 12 or more. There is just no point in wasting time and money on an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 7 or 8 in today's time.

Installation of the Central Air Conditioning System

If you plan to install a central air conditioning system, make sure that the outdoor compressor is installed under a shelter where the compressor will have enough shade. Believe it or not, this alone can reduce the energy consumption of the unit by 10 percent. Also ensure that there is a one-foot airflow all around the unit.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

This is another thing that can cut your energy bills significantly. This would allow you to have the temperature in the room to rise steadily, thus helping the air conditioner to consume less power. And since the temperature change will be gradual, you will also hardly sense it.

Maintenance

Of course, you have to maintain your air conditioner to see that it can perform at its best. Regularly clean the filters and see that the air flow is maintained. It is best to clean the filter once every month. Since it is not much of a hassle, all you got to do is just make a habit of it. It would hardly take any time.

Also clean the coils inside the air conditioner once every year. This will also go a long way in ensuring that the energy efficiency of your air conditioner is maintained at its prime level.