If you are already in the market shopping for a new air conditioner, you might have come across the term "SEER." But what is SEER? How does it affect the over performance of your AC unit? Well, there are a lot of myths that surround the SEER value, but before we go into details, it’s good to understand the meaning of this term as used in the HVAC industry. SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
In simple terms, the SEER is used to measure your AC unit and heat pump’s operational efficiency. The value of SEER is usually derived by the cooling output of your AC unit during a cooling season which is divided by the total energy input over the same period. SEER is calculated by a mathematical equation.
What Is the Difference Between EER and SEER?
Before the introduction of the SEER, the cooling efficiency of AC units was measured using EER which standards for Energy Efficiency Ratio. Unlike SEER that covers an entire cooling season, the EER measures the cooling efficiency of your system under specific conditions vs. the varying conditions that occur over the course of summer.
The SEER is an indication of how your system will most likely perform over the entire cooling season whereas EER is an indicator of how your system might perform under specific conditions. While calculating your AC's EER, the particular conditions that are commonly used are 425 degrees Celsius indoor temperature, 500 degrees Celsius relative outdoor temperature and a relative humidity of 50%.
What Is Considered a Good SEER Rating?
Typically, a higher SEER rating means improved energy efficiency. The minimum standard SEER rating for air conditioners is 13. A significant number of the modern air conditioners have a SEER rating ranging between 13 and 21. However, it is important to keep in mind that the higher the SEER rating, the more you will have to pay upfront for the air conditioner.
When it comes to comparing the SEER ratings for different air conditioners, think of it as if you are comparing the gas mileage when you are purchasing a new car. A hybrid vehicle that goes twice as far on a tank as a regular model will save money in the long run, even if the hybrid is more expensive to purchase.
The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the AC unit is. However, in some cases, the higher rating will not always mean improved saving in the long run.
Talk to the Winnipeg Cooling Experts
Are you looking for an energy-efficient AC unit that will serve you for many years? Get in touch with Furnasman Heating and Air Conditioning about your next AC installation! Our experts will help you find a reliable, energy efficient system that will last years and cut electricity costs.
