Your new AC unit should work efficiently, consuming less energy while making the temperature of your home feel comfortable. The primary factor that helps you determine an air conditioner’s efficiency is it Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating. In general, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the HVAC unit is. The state of Florida requires all new HVAC units to have a SEER rating of 14 or above.

While the state of Florida’s minimum SEER rating is 14, new Carrier HVAC units range between a 14 to 22 SEER rating. Remember, while the higher SEER rating does equate to a more efficient HVAC unit, the efficiency of your new HVAC unit will vary based on the size of your home, your existing duct work, the condition of your window and door frames, and other variables. Shop new Carrier HVAC units and compare SEER Ratings by model.

Considering the many variables involved in keeping your home cool during the summer, there is not any magic SEER number. All though, anything 14 or greater is considered an efficient HVAC unit. The savings of upgrading from an older 8 SEER HVAC unit to Florida’s minimum 14 SEER unit could save you BIG on your annual power consumption. Check out the graph below to give you an estimate of the %’s you could save annually based on the SEER rating of your new HVAC unit.