When first looking at investing in a new air conditioning system, it can be overwhelming at how much there is to assess. One of the most important things to consider is the SEER rating. Understanding what a SEER rating stands for and why it is important can be beneficial to you in becoming more energy efficient.
What exactly does SEER mean?
SEER is an acronym for seasonal energy efficiency ratio.
The Department of Energy set standards that HVAC equipment manufacturers must meet. The efficiency of air conditioners is rated by SEER, which measures the air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency. Calculate SEER by dividing the energy output by the electrical energy input during a set time frame, or the cooling/heating power divided by the amount of energy used during “cooling season.” This season is when the system would be doing the most work to maintain a constant temperature inside while different temperatures fluctuate outside. In short, the higher the SEER rating, the greater the energy efficiency the system possesses. Some compare SEER ratings to the miles per gallon in a car for a better understanding.
Here in Texas, air conditioning companies cannot install anything below 14 SEER. At Champion Home Services, we offer traditional air conditioning systems all the way up to 19 SEER. The rating given is the highest possible efficiency a specific system can perform, but that does not mean that it is continuously performing to its full potential. Changing seasons and temperatures, along with the system’s owner, have a role to play in this.
Whether you seek the help of a professional for a consultation or use an online calculator, there are several ways to find the right SEER rating to help you become more energy efficient.
