What is a SEER Rating?

If you are in the market shopping for a new air conditioning unit, you must have been advised to pay close attention to the system’s SEER rating. We all appreciate the fact that an air conditioner is a significant investment in your home and you are doing a smart thing by finding out all that you can before you write that check. But, what exactly is SEER rating and how does it impact on the performance of your AC unit? Do air conditioners with a higher SEER rating function better than those with a lower SEER rating? This article will help you understand everything you need to know about SEER rating.

What Is SEER Rating?

SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio that relates to how much energy and money your AC unit will use in its operation over the course of the year. The SEER rating range from 13 to 25 and are usually indicated on the yellow and black Energy Grade sticker on the side of the AC unit. If you can’t find the value of SEER rating on the side of the unit, you should consider visiting the manufacturer’s website for further details.

The SEER rating of an air conditioner is usually determined by dividing the cooling output of a typical cooling season by the total electrical energy input over the same time frame. The value indicated on the AC unit shows the maximum energy-efficiency rating, but in the real sense, the value can be lower depending on several factors. For instance, an AC unit with a SEER rating of 17 means that the energy-efficiency of that specific unit can’t go beyond 17. The SEER rating is similar to the miles per gallon of your car. Your vehicle could achieve 30 miles per gallon on the highway, but the story might change if you are stuck in a traffic jam.

What is a Good SEER Rating?

Typically, a higher SEER rating translates to greater energy efficiency. The minimum standard SEER rating allowed in most states in the U.S is 13. However, the effectiveness of your system doesn’t depend on the SEER rating alone. It also depends on the size of your home, your ductwork, and a wide range of other variables. Make sure that you compare different systems in the market and understand which one is more efficient before you make your final decision. Keep in mind that the higher the SEER rating, the higher the price tag.

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