The answer to 'SEER 16 vs SEER 20' is that a SEER 20 air conditioner is more energy-efficient than a SEER 16 unit. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the cooling output of an air conditioner divided by the energy it consumes. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system is, leading to lower energy bills for homeowners.
A SEER 20 system will use about 25% less energy than a SEER 16 system, which can result in significant savings on utility costs over the lifetime of the equipment. However, SEER 20 systems also come with a higher upfront purchase and installation price. Homeowners should weigh the long-term energy savings against the initial investment when deciding which SEER rating is right for their home and budget.