Among the many technical stats available for an air conditioning system, one of the most important for a potential owner to understand is SEER, which stands for “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” Looking at the SEER for a model will give you a sense of how well the unit converts electrical energy into cooling power, and consequently, how much you might expect to pay on your utility bills to run it.
There are many factors that are important when it comes to choosing a new system for air conditioning installation in Georgetown, TX, but SEER is among the most crucial to grasp. We’ll give a rundown on how SEER is calculated and what you need to know about it. For further help, you’ll need for AC installation, contact intelligent Air Services today and speak to our air conditioning experts.
What you need to know about SEER
The seasonal energy efficiency rating of an air conditioner is a ratio (expressed as a whole number or number with a decimal point) of cooling power to the energy consumed. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the AC, and the less expensive it will be to run:
- SEER = BTUs of cooling / watt-hours of energy… averaged over a season
That SEER is determined over a whole season differentiates it from the single-test EER, energy efficiency rating, which is usually found next to SEER in an air conditioner’s stat list. EER is usually a few numbers lower than SEER.
In order for an air conditioning system to earn the EPA’s ENERGY STAR label for efficiency and environmentally safe operation, it must have 14.5 SEER or more. This is a good lower limit to use when you are searching for a new air conditioner. Some high-efficiency models can score SEER in the low 20s.
SEER isn’t everything
Although SEER is important to know when you are in the market for a new AC, it should never be your sole criterion. An air conditioner can have an astonishing 22 SEER, but that only means it is efficient, not how well it will provide you with cooling. If you end up with an undersized system, poorly installed, the highest SEER rating in the world will go to waste.
For this reason, make sure you have professional installers involved from the start. They will help you find the right unit that balances out SEER with other features. Because the higher SEER air conditioners will cost more, the installers will help you find the most economical way to receive the right comfort for you. Sometimes a lower SEER AC will be the best choice.
To get started with air conditioning installation in Georgetown, TX, contact Intelligent Air Services. We stay on the cutting edge of the HVAC world and bring benefits to you.