WHAT DOES THE SEER NUMBER ON MY AC UNIT MEAN?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures the annual energy consumption and efficiency of the unit’s cooling ability in typical day-to-day use.  The higher the SEER value, the less energy the unit will use.  Many older units will have a 10 SEER rating; 10 SEER is no longer produced in the US as they are not found to be energy efficient enough.

 

WHAT SEER IS RECOMMENDED?

The U.S. Department of Energy  sets energy efficiency standards for air conditioners, heat pumps, and other HVAC  equipment.

In 2006, the Department of Energy raised the minimum SEER requirement from 10 SEER to 13 SEER nationwide in an effort to promote energy savings that benefit the consumer. 

 In 2015, the minimum SEER requirement was again raised  for central air conditioners and heat pumps installed in certain regions of the U.S.   Currently, the minimum SEER rating for central air conditioners and heat pumps is 13 SEER in the North and 14 in the South and Southwest regions of the U.S.  Units are available in ranges of 13 SEER, standard efficiency, to 22 SEER, high efficiency..

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WHY DOES PROPER SIZING OF THE UNIT TO YOUR HOME MATTER?

Many factors go into determining the proper size of the unit to be efficient and provide the desired comfort in your home.  Units that are too small or too large will not efficiently create the comfort we all desire from our systems.  Going bigger is not always the answer, a unit that is too large may get it to the temperature setting quickly but it will likely cycle off before the system has time to remove adequate moisture (the humidity level) from your home which could also make you still uncomfortable.  Also, short or repeated cycling could affect the life of your unit with undue stress.

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