What Does the SEER Rating on Your AC Unit Mean?

What Does the SEER Rating on Your AC Unit Mean?

What is a SEER Rating?

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is a ranking ratio of cooling power generated to energy consumption in central air conditioner units. It informs the resident just how energy efficient the cooling and heating system is performing.

The SEER rating for most of your units is usually found attached to the outside of the unit on a yellow ticket. If it cannot be located there, the AHRI has a directory that can generate this info when make and model is given.

Why was the SEER Rating Established?

In 1992, the Energy Policy Act was signed that included new efficiency standards that included cooling and heating units, so that the energy consumption nation-wide might be lowered; overall health of many might be improved; lower many household utility bills when weathering the hot and humid season; and power plant pollution might be decreased. These ratings were set up by the federal government to insure that the consumer would be informed when considering the purchase of a new HVAC. These values would give them an idea of which cooling system rating number would best serve them in the geographical area where they live.

Effect of SEER Rating on Energy Consumption

Close attention should be given to the Seer rating when a consumer is purchasing a new cooling system. If the rating is low, the higher the energy cost. Whereas, if the rating is higher, the more energy efficient the unit is, providing more cool air with the bonus of lower energy cost, which can add up to a 20-40% savings on air conditioning bills each year. Persons living in an area where the temperature is mainly hot the majority of the time, requiring continuous use of an air conditioner, would benefit by purchasing a higher SEER rating HVAC.

Knowing the Importance of a SEER Rating

The required ranking in the United States for any new residential air conditioner unit that is sold has to be a minimum of 13.00 SEER and up to 23.

Many consumers who still own the older models of air conditioning units are not aware that the SEER rating is much lower, which is a very important reason to have it replaced. By purchasing an up-to-date model, they can be assured that it will include a rating to inform them of just how energy efficient their unit is.

Go green with energy and money saving HVAC units. Call the experts of Wickstrom Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling at (208) 505-9352 to make your Boise area home more efficient today.