{"id":1279,"date":"2023-02-21T14:08:55","date_gmt":"2023-02-21T14:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comfortcaddie1.wpengine.com\/?p=1279"},"modified":"2024-10-18T16:54:25","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T16:54:25","slug":"what-is-a-seer-rating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comfortcaddies.com\/what-is-a-seer-rating\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Seer Rating?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you research HVAC systems and air conditioners, you will keep seeing the term SEER rating pop up. This is an important term that you should become more familiar with. Keep reading to get a full understanding of why SEER came about, what it means, and why it is important.<\/p>\n

What Does SEER Mean in HVAC<\/h2>\n

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. At the most basic level, it indicates an HVAC system\u2019s overall energy efficiency. This ratio is determined by dividing the cooling output of the equipment over a cooling season by the total energy used. Essentially, the less energy a unit uses up in order to comfortably cool your home, the higher the SEER rating will be. A higher SEER rating means a more energy-efficient system that will ultimately cost you less to operate.<\/p>\n

AC SEER Rating<\/h2>\n

In the 1980s, the U.S. Department of Energy came together with the Air Conditioning Heating, and Refrigeration Institute to create the SEER rating<\/a> in order to create more efficient and environmentally-friendly HVAC systems. In 1992, legislation went into effect that mandated the manufacturers produce equipment with a minimum SEER rating of 10. By 2006, the minimum standard was raised to 14 and this remains the standard in most states today, although many Southern states recently raised the bar to 15.<\/p>\n

With technology rapidly progressing, SEER ratings on mini-split conditioners<\/a> have reached a SEER rating of 42. However, most central air conditioners have an average SEER rating of 16 although they can go as high as 23. Essentially, investing in an AC unit with a higher SEER rating will involve more upfront costs, but you will enjoy a more comfortable home and pay less each month in utility bills, which is significant because the HVAC system typically accounts for about 48% of a home\u2019s energy usage.<\/p>\n

When considering what SEER rating you should be looking to purchase it is important to remember that the SEER is the maximum efficiency that can be achieved when all the conditions are just right. Think about the number of miles per gallon (mpg) with your car. When you are traveling on the highway, you will get better mpg, but once you hit the city the number will drop. This same principle applies to your air conditioner. If it has a 16 SEER rating, it won\u2019t always be running at that level. In addition, experts estimate that energy efficiency can drop by 10-20% because of leaks in the ductwork. The SEER is an indication and not a guarantee that your AC will always be reaching maximum efficiency.<\/p>\n

AC Conditioner SEER<\/h2>\n

If you have an air conditioner that was manufactured 10 to 15 years ago, you should expect a SEER rating of 8-10. You can check on the SEER rating of your existing unit by looking in a few places:<\/p>\n