What Is SEER and Why Does It Matter?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, is very important when it comes to an air conditioning unit. However, when the average homeowner shops for a new system, they may pay very little attention to this rating. Make sure you know what a SEER rating is and why it's so important before you invest in a new air conditioning unit for your home.
What Is SEER?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio probably sounds a bit like rocket science; however, it's a concept that's not difficult to understand. In simple terms, the SEER is the maximum cooling production rate at which a specific air conditioning unit can generate cold air divided by the amount of energy it consumes to achieve this output rate.
The final figure is the SEER rating of the unit. The higher the SEER rating, the better. Manufacturers take SEER ratings very seriously, and as a result, a unit is tested over a specific period of time at varying outdoor temperatures in order to certify its SEER rating. So, if you choose a system with a high SEER rating, you can have greater confidence in your investment.
Why Do SEER Ratings Matter?
Here are just a couple of the reasons why it's so critical for you to select a new air conditioning unit with a good SEER rating.
Comfort
The primary reason for purchasing an air conditioning unit is to increase comfort in your home. Buying a system with a high SEER rating can help you achieve the comfort level you seek. For a unit to score a high rating, it must be able to generate a high amount of cooled air. On the other hand, a unit with a low rating will have a lower output rate, which means it will take longer to make your home comfortable.
Operating Cost
A difference in the output rate of an air conditioning unit does not just mean more cooled air; it also means faster cooling. Remember, a high SEER rating doesn't just require the unit to produce more air, but to do so expending less energy. Units with higher SEER ratings can cool your home faster. The faster your home is cooled, the shorter the amount of time the air conditioning operates, and the less energy used. As a result, you pay less to cool your home.
Do you need help finding a new air conditioning unit? An air conditioning installation professional can help. He or she will take into account the SEER rating of the unit, as well as the layout of your home, your specific comfort needs, and additional factors to ensure you're paired with the right system.