What Does SEER Stand For?
If you want to be sure that your air conditioning system is cooling your home as efficiently and inexpensively as possible, it’s important to understand just what HVAC contractors are talking about when they mention the word SEER.
What Does SEER Stand For?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a rating system put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency as a part of its Energy Star program. Ultimately, SEER ratings help consumers compare the relative energy efficiency of various air conditioning systems.
How SEER Ratings Works | Is a Higher SEER Rating Better?
SEER ratings use a complex formula that roughly describes the energy efficiency of a specific air conditioning system. These ratings are calculated by dividing an air conditioning system’s total electrical usage in watts by a typical cooling output. The resulting number is on a scale of 13 to 23, with the highest number being the most efficient system. While units with higher SEER ratings cost more, in the long run this greater cost is offset by savings. Many units sold today have ratings above 20.
Important SEER Changes for 2015
In the past, 13 was the minimum SEER rating for any units sold in the United States, but as of 2015, companies are not allowed to sell a unit with a rating of less than 14. This is because the government now recognizes that HVAC systems in warmer climates are under greater strain than those in cooler climates.
All split system cooling units are required to have a minimum rating of 14 as of Jan. 1, 2015. The purpose of these changes is to increase the efficiency of systems in those geographic areas where they are used the most. Similar modifications to the ratings for heating systems were also introduced.
How to Find the Right SEER Rating For Your Home
While you may assume that the higher SEER rating the better, this isn’t always true. In fact, a system that has a SEER rating that is too high for a space will actually cause the space to cool too quickly. This is why a small studio apartment will not require the same air conditioning system as a 10,000 square foot commercial building.
In addition to the baseline SEER number that comes with your unit, it’s a good idea to keep in mind this number may not be perfectly accurate for your specific climate. For instance, if you live in the South or the Southwest, you should subtract one rating point from the SEER rating for every five degrees you experience above 83 degrees.
Learn More About SEER Ratings at Quick Servant
Deciphering SEER ratings can be confusing, but at Quick Servant, we’re here to help. If you are located in the Delmarva area and want to know more about SEER ratings and how they can benefit you, contact us today or schedule an appointment online.