What is SEER? – Advent Air Conditioning

March 24, 2022

What is SEER?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a rating that measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioning or heat pump cooling system. A SEER rating is calculated by taking the typical cooling output during a cooling season and dividing it by the total electric energy output over the same time period. In general, the higher the SEER rating of an AC unit, the less electricity is needed to do its job and the more energy efficient it is. A SEER rating for your AC is similar to the miles per gallon rating for your car – it’s a rating of maximum efficiency and may vary under different conditions.

What’s a Good SEER Rating for an AC?

The minimum standard SEER rating for air conditioners is 13, and Energy Star® rated ACs must have a SEER rating of 14.5. Newer, very high-efficiency models may have a SEER rating as high as 21. Most older AC systems are rated around an 8 or 9, so many of today’s models will be a measurable improvement, likely resulting in lower energy bills.

What SEER Rating is Best for You?

You may naturally think that you should just get the AC with the highest SEER rating, but that may be more efficiency than you need, and it will likely be more expensive than other models. The SEER rating that is best for you depends on many factors, including where you live, the size of your home, and your specific cooling needs. The Department of Energy enforces SEER requirements based on geography – the minimum SEER rating in the South (where it is hotter) is 14, but in the North, it’s 13.

Thinking about Buying a New AC?

When you consider buying a new HVAC unit, be sure you have a professional technician come to your home first to do a cooling load calculation. This calculation takes numerous factors into account, such as the square footage of your home, number of rooms, number of doors and windows, the climate you live in, insulation levels, the condition of your ductwork, and more. An HVAC expert can help you determine what SEER rating/HVAC unit best fits your specific needs.

Contact Advent Air

Advent Air is committed to the quality of the air you and your family breathe every single day. If you’re considering getting a new HVAC system or are specifically interested in more energy-efficient models, we can help. Contact us to set up an appointment today.