What is a SEER Rating and How Does it Affect Your HVAC System?
What is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio in the heating and cooling industry. A SEER rating is the ratio developed when the system’s cooling output over an average cooling season is divided by the total energy used. More simply, SEER represents how much energy and money the unit requires to operate effectively over a year. The less energy the unit uses to produce the proper amount of cooling, the higher the SEER rating. The SEER ratio is representative of a unit’s maximum efficiency.
COOLING OUTPUT / ENERGY USED = SEER
Why SEER ratings matter.
The higher the SEER rating, the more significant the financial investment. However, with so many Heating and Air conditioners from which to choose, you can find a unit that works for your home and budget. A higher SEER rating offers your family higher energy efficiency and greater indoor comfort.
Air conditioning units built 10 to 15 years ago typically have a SEER rating between eight and 10. The SEER rating of your current unit can commonly be found in one of the following ways:
- The yellow and black Energy Guide sticker is pasted on the outdoor unit.
- A piece of paper is attached to your HVAC system’s air handler, or indoor unit.
- The model number of the product typically references the SEER rating. A model number like “XV20i” represents up to 20 SEER.
- Locate the model and serial number of the unit and contact the manufacturer to get the SEER rating.
Replacing a unit that’s a decade or older could save as much as 20 to 40 percent on your energy costs each year. New energy standards established by the U.S. Department of Energy now require air conditioners to achieve a minimum SEER rating of 13, and most units fall within a 13 to 21 SEER rating. American Standard Heating and Cooling air conditioners range from 14.5 up to 22 SEER.
Benefits of a high SEER rating or ratio.
As stated before, The higher the SEER rating, the higher the financial investment for you and your family. You will also have higher energy efficiency, greater indoor comfort, and reduced environmental impact. A higher SEER rating means you create a smaller carbon footprint with an air conditioning system. In addition to using less energy, some new AC models use safer refrigerants. Having a new unit installed at your home means you’re contributing to a greener space for future generations.
