What does the terms “SEER & EER” mean?
The most common measure of the efficiency of a consumer central air conditioning system is the SEER (Seasonal efficiency efficiency ratio). An air conditioner must have a SEER of at least 10 to be sold in the United States. Higher efficiency models have a SEER between 13 and 19. A more common rating method for commercial air conditioners is the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). EER is a measure of the ratio of the amount of cooling (measured in BTU’s) to the amount of electricity it consumes (measured in watt-hours). The EER is a steady state measure — that is, the efficiency is only measured once the unit has started up and is running at a steady capacity. SEER takes into account the startup and shutdown time as well, making it a more accurate measurement for determining the actual energy costs for the end user.
