When you are replacing your home air conditioner or heating system, and you begin to shop around, you may see “SEER” ratings. Many homeowners will wonder if the SEER rating is important. When determining what heating or cooling unit to invest in, it helps to understand SEER and what it means. Absolute P&M Services will explain in more detail what SEER is and how it plays a role in determining which unit you should buy for your home.
What Does SEER Mean for HVAC System?
What is SEER? First, SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER was first develop by the U.S. Department of Energy to better provide customers and or homeowners with a guide to an air conditioner or heating unit’s energy efficiency. SEER is an accurate calculation of how much energy the air conditioner or heater will use. It is increasingly more important that a homeowner seek out the most efficient HVAC system to reduce power demands which helps both the environment and their wallet.
SEER Calculator
When the air conditioner or heating pump SEER is calculated, the amount of cool or heated air that is supplied is measured during each season. The air conditioning and heating system is measured using Btu’s per hour which is then divided by the amount of power or watts consumed during the periods the unit is running. Every heating and air conditioner unit is tested in laboratories where the settings can be controlled for accurate measurements. The U.S. Department of Energy are the ones who specifies the conditions that labs test heating and cooling units. The U.S. Department of Energy requires the units are tested in the same environment they will be used in to ensure honest and accurate SEER ratings.
HVAC SEER Energy Savings
As a homeowner, you will want to know how much you can be saving when investing in a good SEER rated unit. Back in 2006, U.S. Law required that all air conditioning and heating systems have the minimum SEER rating of 13, which calculates to a 30% increase of energy efficiency. A SEER rating of 13 will help homeowners save 40% of the cost of heating and cooling their home within a 10 year period. Previously, all units had only a Seer rating of 10. However, the higher the SEER rating the more you will save.
What to Look for when Buying a Central Air Conditioner
When replacing an air conditioner unit there are other considerations on top of the SEER rating you will want to note. When determining what unit you should invest in, you will want to look closely at the SEER rating and other considerations as well such as:
Size of the AC Unit – You will want to get the right size unit for your home. Avoid getting a unit too big or too small as it only leads to complications. Avoid wasting money on the wrong size of air conditioner or heating unit.
Air Leaks – Regardless of the SEER rating, if you have a number of air leaks inside the home or the air duct system, you will not see any savings. When there are air leaks inside your home the air conditioner or heating system will work harder and longer costing you more money. To ensure you get the savings out of your SEER ratings, make sure to repair the air duct system and source of air leaking in the home such as doors and windows.
Central Air Conditioning Tune Up Maintenance, Repair & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston & Greater Houston, Texas
If you need help replacing your air conditioner, heating system, or other HVAC needs, contact Absolute P&M Services today.
