What is SEER? How does it apply to the energy efficiency of air conditioners?
SEER is the “seasonal energy efficiency ratio”. The efficiency of central air conditioning units is regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, every air conditioning unit is assigned an efficiency rating or SEER. The SEER is defined as the total cooling output (in British thermal units or Btu) provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy input (in watt-hours) during the same period. The larger the SEER rating the unit is assigned, the more energy efficient the unit will be to operate.
