What is SEER?
Air Conditioner SEER
SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the number that describes how well or efficient an air conditioner works. The SEER rating is determined by taking the amount of cooling supplied by the air conditioning equipment and dividing it by the power being used by the air conditioner under a particular set of seasonal conditions. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the equipment is.
Recently Governments have raised the efficiency standards from a 10 SEER minimum to a 13 SEER minimum. This means a significant increase in energy efficiency in addition to significant environmental benefits. In addition the increase can save consumers hundreds of dollars each year on utility bills.
For the consumer, if your current air conditioner has a rating of less than 13 SEER, new regulations do not require you to purchase new equipment. Replacement parts to 10-12 SEER systems will be available for many years so repair and maintenance can continue as needed. New air conditioners, however, can no longer be produced that do not meet these minimum standards.
If you decide to replace your existing AC system with a system that has a 13 SEER or higher rating you will notice energy savings. The initial cost for the unit will be more expensive but the overall value needs to be taken into consideration – money savings in the long run. In order to maximize this benefit, you need to make sure that when replacing the equipment that the indoor unit and outdoor unit are appropriately matched. So be sure to check with your dealer before installing any new equipment.
The higher the SEER level the greater efficiency the air conditioner is and the more money you can expect to save on your cooling bill.
