At Whipple Plumbing, we’re happy to be industry leaders in air conditioning service in Utah. Our pros can provide everything from air conditioning repair to basic tips and advice, with years of expertise in the field backing us up.
One common question we get from folks looking to gauge the efficiency of their system: What does the SEER rating mean? Let’s take a look.
Cooling Output
SEER rating stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,” which means it’s a measure of how much cooling power you receive for every given unit of electricity the AC takes up. Basically, it helps tell you how efficient your AC system is.
It’s calculated by finding the cooling output of the unit compared to the watt-hours of energy it takes up. This number is then adjusted to account for your local temperature range. There are a few complicated factors here, but the final number will have a very simple format: The higher it is, the more efficient your system is.
As of 2015, the federal government required that all new units be made with a SEER rating of at least 13. This is a slightly lower number for heat pumps and split-system AC units. States in the south often have to meet a higher standard.
Why Stop at the Minimum?
You don’t simply have to get the minimum SEER requirements for your next air conditioning unit, however. Some have ratings up to 23 – these tend to be more expensive up front, but they can also often save you major costs down the line in terms of electricity and utility costs. The hotter a climate you live in, the more beneficial one of these units might be for you.
Its also important to remember that there are other important factors for AC efficiency beyond SEER rating. You also have to consider energy efficiency ratios, which don’t account for different seasonal climates – those in a hot climate may actually prefer this measure.
For more on SEER rating, or to learn about any of our other HVAC services, speak to the pros at Whipple Plumbing today.
