What Is SEER and Why Is It So Important?
Whether you are about to purchase your own cooling system or simply want to be able to talk more intelligently with the HVAC contractor, it’s important to understand Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Known as SEER, this rating comes from the EPA’s Energy Star program and is designed to give an idea about the energy efficiency of a particular unit and offer a way to rate one cooling system against another. Additionally, the rating system has been adjusted for 2015, providing greater minimum efficiency and accounting for geographic differences in climate.
Definition of SEER. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating is a fairly complicated formula that determines the energy efficiency of a cooling system. It is calculated by figuring out the cooling output during a typical summer season and dividing that into the total use of electricity in watt hours during the season. The end result is a number – normally between 13 and 23 – with the higher number indicating more energy efficient system. The minimum SEER that can be sold in much of the country is 14, and it is common to see SEER ratings above 20.
SEER Changes in 2015. The federal rules on the minimum SEER rating for various HVAC systems now recognize that warmer climates put a greater load on HVAC systems. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2015, all split system cooling units must have a minimum of 14 SEER. The goal is to improve the minimum efficiency of cooling systems in areas where they are used the most. Similar changes were made for heating system as well.
SEER and your climate. The way SEER is calculated is complex enough, but experts say that SEER may not provide an accurate assessment if you live in a particularly hot climate such as the South and Southwest. The SEER rating is based on an average seasonal temperature of 83 degrees. For every 5 degrees above 83, you should subtract 1 from the SEER rating. In Tucson, Ariz., the summer average can come close to 98 degrees, putting a much heavier burden on the cooling unit and requiring a reduction in the SEER rating of 3 points.
SEER and comparing systems. Now that you understand the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and how to ensure that rating system works for the climate in your home town, it’s possible to do some serious shopping for new cooling systems. Once your contractor has determined the size of the cooling system that best fits your home – such as 2.5 or 3 tons – the SEER rating allows you to compare similar systems made by different manufacturers. The SEER rating lets you figure out just how much more efficient a new system will be compared to your current unit. Find a SEER calculator online and you can calculate the savings you can expect from a new system. For example, if you move up from a 13 SEER 3-ton unit to a 20 SEER system that will mean a 35 percent savings on your monthly utility bill.