What is a SEER rating?
The minimum energy efficiency level for central air conditioning systems made and sold in the United States is regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The efficiency level of a central air conditioner is determined by its “seasonal energy efficiency ratio” (SEER). This SEER rating is technically defined as the cooling output provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy consumption. More simply, the SEER rating is similar to the miles-per-gallon rating for automobiles. The more energy efficient the air conditioning equipment is, the higher the SEER rating – because less electricity is needed to cool your home. What is the minimum SEER standard today? Since 1992, the minimum efficiency standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps has been set at 10 SEER. That’s about to change. Beginning in January 2006, the minimum efficiency level for all new central air conditioners manufactured must be at least 13 SEER. What does the 13 SEER
Cooling efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps is indicated by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which tells you how efficiently a unit uses electricity. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. The typical SEER rating of units manufactured prior to 1992 is about 6.0. In 1992, the government established the minimum cooling efficiency standard for units installed in new homes at 10.0 SEER. High-efficiency units have a SEER of at least 12.0; the maximum available is about 17.
A common way to measure the energy-efficiency of an air conditioning unit is through the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The more energy-efficient an air conditioner is, the higher its SEER rating will be. Defined mathematically, the SEER rating is the amount of cooling output, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) during a typical cooling season, divided by its energy usage, measured in watt-hours, during the same cooling season. As energy prices have increased, the importance of energy efficiency in air conditioning, and therefore that of the SEER rating, has increased significantly. The SEER rating of an air conditioner measures efficiency over a whole season, and the energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating measures it for one given point in time. For example, an air conditioner’s efficiency for the summer of 1998 would be measured by the SEER rating, but its efficiency at 3:07 in the afternoon on 4 August would be reflected in an EER rating. The SEER rating of a unit is us
The minimum energy efficiency level for central air conditioning systems made and sold in the United States is regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The efficiency level of a central air conditioner is determined by its “seasonal energy efficiency ratio” (SEER). This SEER rating is technically defined as the cooling output provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy consumption. More simply, the SEER rating is similar to the miles-per-gallon rating for automobiles. The more energy efficient the air conditioning equipment is, the higher the SEER rating – because less electricity is needed to cool your home.
