SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it’s a measure of the efficiency of your air conditioner. SEER is an acronym that’s been around for more than 40 years, but many homeowners still don’t know what it means.
If you’re looking to buy an air conditioner or replace your current one with a newer model, then the SEER rating is one thing you’ll want to consider.
If you’re not sure what it means or why it matters, then this article is for you.
In this article, CDO Heating and Air Inc. – a professional HVAC technician in Doylestown, will explain everything you need to know about SEER ratings right here.
What Is A SEER Rating?
The HVAC SEER rating is a measure of energy efficiency. It stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures the ratio of the amount of energy used by your HVAC system in cooling mode to the amount of energy required to run that cooling system. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your air conditioner is at using less energy to achieve the same results.
How is Seer Rating calculated?
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for HVAC systems is calculated by dividing the cooling output of an air conditioner or heat pump during a typical cooling season by the total electric energy input during the same period. The formula for calculating SEER is as follows:
SEER = Total Cooling Output (in British Thermal Units or BTUs) / Total Electric Energy Input (in watt-hours)
To determine the SEER rating, manufacturers use standardized test conditions specified by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). These conditions include:
- Indoor Temperature: 80°F (26.7°C) dry bulb and 67°F (19.4°C) wet bulb.
- Outdoor Temperature: 82°F (27.8°C) dry bulb and 62°F (16.7°C) wet bulb.
- Indoor Relative Humidity: 50%.
During the test, the HVAC system is operated for specific hours to simulate a typical cooling season. The cooling output is measured in BTUs, representing the amount of heat the system removes from the indoor air. The electric energy input is measured in watt-hours, indicating the amount of electrical energy consumed by the system during the test period.
The SEER rating reflects the system’s average efficiency over the entire cooling season, considering both the on and off cycles. It takes into account factors such as compressor efficiency, fan efficiency, and any standby power consumption.
What Do SEER Numbers Mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a measure of the energy efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump. SEER numbers indicate how efficiently the unit converts electrical energy into cooling output over a typical cooling season.
For instance, an HVAC unit with a SEER rating of 16 converts 16 BTUs of heat into cooling output for every watt-hour of electricity consumed. Similarly, a unit with a SEER rating of 20 would provide even greater energy efficiency.
The SEER rating reflects the average efficiency of the system over a full cooling season, taking into account factors such as part-load performance, standby power consumption, and off-cycle losses. It provides a standardized measure that allows consumers to compare the energy efficiency of different air conditioning or heat pump models.
Here’s a general HVAC SEER rating chart to give you an idea of the efficiency levels associated with different SEER ratings:
| SEER Rating | Efficiency Level |
| <14 | Standard Efficiency |
| 14-16 | High Efficiency |
| 17-20 | Very High Efficiency |
| 21+ | Ultra High Efficiency |
What is a good SEER rating?
A good HVAC SEER rating is one that’s lower than your area’s average annual heating and cooling degree days. If your home has an average annual cooling degree day of 1,000 and you have a 17 SEER system, then you should be getting around 17,000 BTUs per hour at that temperature rise.
For example, a good HVAC SEER rating is one that is at least 13. This means that the air conditioner will cool your home to a temperature of at least 13 degrees lower than the outside temperature. This is important because it helps you save money on your energy bill and also reduces your carbon footprint.
HVAC seer rating comparison: Difference Between SEER and SEER2
SEER is the abbreviation for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a measure of how much energy an HVAC system uses to cool your house.
SEER2 is the abbreviation for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2.0, which is a newer version of SEER that’s more accurate in calculating how efficient your HVAC system is at cooling your house.
If you’re looking to buy a new air conditioning unit or need to replace old equipment, it’s important to know what kind of rating your current system has and whether you should consider upgrading to a higher-efficiency model.
Here’s a comparison table between SEER and SEER2 ratings so you can understand which air conditioner is right for you:
| Air Conditioner Type | SEER Rating | SEER2 Rating |
| Central Air Conditioner | SEER 16-25 | SEER2 18-27 |
| Ductless Mini-Split System | SEER 16-30 | SEER2 18-32 |
| Window Air Conditioner | SEER 10-14 | SEER2 12-16 |
| Portable Air Conditioner | SEER 8-14 | SEER2 10-16 |
Why Are Energy Ratings Changing?
It’s no secret that energy efficiency is important, and it’s getting more so every day. With the cost of energy rising and the effects of climate change evolving more and more obvious, we need to make sure that we’re doing everything possible to save money and use less power.
Here are six reasons why energy ratings are changing:
Technological Advancements
Energy ratings have changed over time due to the technological advancements that have happened in the field. The first rating system was developed in the 1970s and was based on a scale of 100 points. This allowed energy efficiency to be measured along a linear scale, making it easy to compare different products. However, in recent years this has been improved upon with more accurate measurements that can provide a better understanding of how efficient a product is.
Environmental Concerns
Environmental concerns have also played an important role in changing energy ratings over time. In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the impact humans have on our environment and how this impacts future generations. As such, increasing pressure has been placed on companies to reduce their carbon footprint by making their products more environmentally friendly. One way this can be done is by improving energy efficiency so that fewer resources need to be used during production processes or during regular use by consumers after purchase.
Evolving Standards and Regulations
Energy rating systems are often regulated by government agencies or industry standards organizations. These entities periodically review and update the standards to align with changing energy efficiency goals, emerging technologies, and international harmonization efforts.
Consumer Awareness and Demand
Consumers are also becoming more aware of their impact on the environment and more eager to reduce their carbon footprint. This awareness has led to increased demand for products with low environmental impact, including appliances that use less energy than standard models.
Global Harmonization
Energy ratings are changing because of global harmonization. This means that the standards for energy efficiency are being set and adopted worldwide, which means we’re all getting a consistent idea of what “efficient” is across the board. This can be good or bad depending on how you look at it, but one thing’s for sure: It’s happening, and you’ll want to know what that means for your home before you buy it!
Incentives and Rebates
Homeowners in certain areas can get tax breaks or free installation of solar panels if they have an energy-efficient home. This means that more people will want to buy energy-efficient homes to save money on taxes or have access to rebates for installing solar panels on their homes.
Benefits of High HVAC SEER Rating
If you’re thinking about investing in a new HVAC system, it’s important to know what to look for. One of the most important factors is the SEER rating. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which refers to the energy your unit uses over time. The higher the number, the lower your costs will be—and that’s why we think about this rating first when we’re evaluating units.
If you’re looking for an HVAC system that can help you save money on your energy bill, here are six reasons why it’s worth considering a high SEER rating:
Energy efficiency
A high SEER rating means that your HVAC system is more efficient, which means you’ll save on your energy bills. The higher the rating, the more money you’ll save over time. It also means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which can be difficult to calculate but are important when it comes to lowering carbon footprint.
Cost savings
The higher the SEER rating of your heating or cooling system, the more money you’ll save on repair costs. An air conditioner with a 10 SEER rating will cost less to maintain than an 8 SEER unit would—and because you’re using less energy to cool your home or office space, you’re saving money there too!
Reduce your carbon footprint
You know that feeling you get when you walk into a house, and the temperature is just right? That’s comfort. And you know what else makes you feel comfortable? Not contributing to the destruction of our planet. That’s why high HVAC SEER ratings are so important—they make your home more comfortable while reducing its environmental impact.
The EPA estimates that a 20% improvement in energy efficiency can reduce greenhouse gases by 1 ton per year. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but think about it: 1 ton is equivalent to the carbon dioxide produced by burning about 10 gallons of gasoline! So when you improve your household’s HVAC efficiency by 20%, you’re making your home more comfortable and helping save the world from global warming.
Improved comfort
The lower the SEER rating on your HVAC system, the less efficient it is and the more energy it will use to run. This can lead to increased temperatures in your home and discomfort for anyone who lives in it. In addition, if you have an older model with low SEER ratings, it may not be able to keep up with rising temperatures, and newer models would be able to do so!
Air quality
Every day, you breathe in millions of particles and chemicals. Some of those come from outside—like pollen and mold spores—but some of them come from inside your home. That’s why it’s so important to have an air conditioner that filters out as much airborne debris as possible.
And a high SEER rating means that you can do that with ease. Higher SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling, which means fewer particles in your home.
Enhanced resale value
The higher the SEER rating on your AC unit, the more energy efficient it is. This can help with resale value on properties if sold in areas where energy efficiency is important to buyers!
What SEER Rating Should I Buy?
It’s the question that keeps homeowners up at night. Well, maybe not literally, but buying a new HVAC system can be stressful and confusing, especially if you’ve never done it before. That’s why we’re here to help!
Most homes in the U.S. have an HVAC system with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating between 13 and 19. If you live in a small apartment, you can probably get away with an older system with a lower SEER rating—but if you’re buying HVAC for a large house or one that’s energy-inefficient, then you’ll want to make sure you invest in the most efficient unit possible.
But what’s the ideal SEER rating for you? It depends on several factors, including:
Your Needs
You need to know what you’re looking for in an HVAC unit, and that means assessing your home’s needs. Do you want a unit with an Energy Star rating? If yes, then you’ll need to research how much energy it uses and how much it costs to operate the unit. Do you have a larger home? If so, then you’ll want a larger unit that can handle the extra space.
Climate
If you live in a region with long and hot summers, a higher SEER-rated system might be more beneficial due to increased energy efficiency and potential cost savings. However, if you reside in a milder climate or use your HVAC system sparingly, a lower SEER-rated system may still provide adequate comfort without the need for a higher initial investment.
Budget
A high SEER rating is not always the most important factor to consider when purchasing an HVAC. In fact, many homeowners find that they can get a better price on a lower-SEER model if they are willing to spend more money on energy efficiency upgrades and fixtures. If you have a limited budget, choosing an HVAC with a lower SEER rating may be best. The most efficient units range from $1,500 to $2,000 per ton of capacity (this is called a “ton” rating), while less efficient units can cost as little as $500 per ton.
Local Regulations
If you live in an area where there are local regulations regarding efficiency standards, you may need to purchase an HVAC with a higher SEER rating than other areas. It’s important to check what your local government requires before making this decision so you don’t waste time or money on something that won’t meet their requirements.
Consult with HVAC Professionals
It’s important to consult with HVAC professionals in Doylestown before choosing your HVAC unit. They will be able to help you figure out what size is best for your home and how much it will cost you each month based on your energy usage needs. This way, when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, everything will be settled amicably between both parties involved in this transaction!
Get The Best Advice From CDO Heating And Air Inc. For HVAC SEER Rating And All Things HVAC Systems!
What is a Good SEER Rating in Doylestown? Not sure what to do? Don’t panic!
It’s not like you have to decide between an HVAC seer rating and the other million things you need to do. With CDO Heating and Air Inc., you get both!
CDO Heating and Air Inc. is a trusted business that has been serving its customers in Doylestown, PA, for over 25 years. We’re here for all of your HVAC needs, from replacing your air conditioner to installing a new furnace.
We offer a full suite of HVAC services, including:
- Air conditioning repair & installation
- Heating & cooling system maintenance & inspection
- Air quality testing & remediation
- Air conditioning maintenance
- Furnace installation or replacement
- Ductwork repair and replacement service,
- Hot water heater installation or replacement service
- Humidifier installation or replacement service
- Air purifier installation or replacement service
- Thermostat repair and replacement service
- And many more…
Our technicians are trained and licensed professionals who are dedicated to delivering high-quality HVAC service at affordable rates. We want to make sure that you stay comfortable in your home so that you can focus on the things that matter most—your family, friends, and hobbies.
When you work with our team, you can expect all of the following:
– Expert advice on the best systems for your needs
– Installation by trained professionals who specialize in HVAC systems
– Maintenance plans to keep your system running smoothly year after year
– 24/7 emergency services if something goes wrong
We take pride in our reputation as being one of the most trusted names in heating and air conditioning in Doylestown, PA. So whether you’re ready to start enjoying your new HVAC system today or need your HVAC repaired, give us a call at (267) 481-7787!