What is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is the predicted energy efficiency of an air conditioner over an entire cooling season. A high SEER rating indicates an efficient HVAC unit. And the more efficient your HVAC unit is, the lower your energy bills may be. Air conditioners are rated by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).
SEER ratings from 13 to 23 reveal the amount of electricity your air conditioner uses to produce cool air. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the air conditioner is. For example, an air conditioner with a SEER 13 rating is about 30 percent more efficient than an older air conditioner with a SEER 10 rating.
SEER is calculated by dividing the amount of cooling supplied by an air conditioner or heat pump (BTUs per hour) by the power (watts) used by the cooling equipment under a specific set of seasonal conditions (specified by the US Department of Energy).
Why is SEER important?
Since each HVAC unit is evaluated using the exact same seasonal conditions, the SEER rating is one of the best ways to compare the performance of cooling equipment from manufacturer to manufacturer. It also gives you a realistic idea of the potential energy efficiency of a cooling unit before you purchase it.
Questions to ask your HVAC contractor:
1) Why doesn’t my equipment perform up to its SEER rating?
Real conditions in a home, not controlled lab conditions, actually determine how your HVAC unit will perform. Your HVAC contractor plays a major role in the overall efficiency of your unit. Every system is uniquely constructed for each home and it is up to your HVAC contractor to choose the right pieces and then tune the whole system so that it delivers the best performance.
2) So what can you do to impact the efficiency of my HVAC unit?
Airflow, charge, tight ducts, and sizing all play a crucial role in how air-conditioning equipment actually performs. By properly addressing those areas, your HVAC contractor can ensure that your unit is working as efficiently as possible. Conversely, failing to address just one of the above factors can significantly decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system.
3) What SEER do I need for my home?
As of January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER of at least 13. ENERGY STAR qualified Central Air Conditioners must have a SEER of at least 14.
If you have any questions, please contact Clean Air by calling 1-866-934-6782 or click here today!
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Sources:
Get the Facts About SEER and Deliver Better Customer Value AdvancedEnergy.org
