All About SEER Ratings

If you are shopping for cooling systems, you probably come across the term “SEER.” This is an acronym that stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.”

How The Ratio is Determined

The ratio is calculated for a unit by taking one season’s typical cooling output and dividing it by the season’s total energy input. It shows the efficiency of the unit. Just like when you consider miles per gallon in your vehicle, a higher rating is better.

A Range of SEERs?

The government has set a minimum of a SEER of 13 for all air conditioners currently being sold. Ratings could go up to 21 or 22. Ratings of 16 or 18 would be fairly efficient, with anything above 20 being ideal for those who are very energy-conscious.

Most older air conditioning systems have SEERs below 10; that’s perfectly acceptable in many cases. It doesn’t mean that anyone with an old unit needs to run out and buy a new one immediately. It just shows how standards have improved and how advancements have allowed for greater efficiency.

Units with higher SEER ratings usually have a variable-speed blower and either a two-stage or variable-speed compressor. These components allow them to work at different levels. What could be considered the “low” speed would be fine on warm days. The “high” speed would only kick in when it’s most needed. Older models don’t have this ability to change modes.

SEER Ratings and Utility Bills

Anyone looking for a new unit will have some factors to consider. Higher SEER units may be more expensive, but they may also offer long-term savings. They can lower your monthly energy bill, sometimes significantly, so you’ll want to think about how long you expect to use a unit. Tax credits and manufacturer rebates may also bring the costs down.

At KW Lang Mechanical in Solon, OH, we are a professional air conditioning company. Our crew also works with heating systems, and we do maintenance, installations, and repairs. Financing is available for qualified applicants for some products. Call us today to get more information.