When shopping for an air conditioning unit, one of the most important factors is the unit’s SEER rating. The SEER rating measures a unit’s energy efficiency and can help you save money on your energy bills. But what does the SEER rating mean, and how can you use it to choose the right air conditioner for your home?
This blog post will explain what the SEER rating is and how to measure the SEER rating to find the right air conditioner for your needs. So, if you are in the market for a new AC unit, be sure to read on!
What is your SEER rating?
SEER ratings measure a unit’s energy efficiency. Air conditioners with a SEER rating of 13 or above are considered high-efficiency models. If your air conditioner has a SEER rating of 10 or below, it is regarded as a standard efficiency model.
To find out your air conditioner’s SEER rating, look for the manufacturer’s sticker on the unit. The SEER rating will be listed there. You can also find the SEER rating in the owner’s manual.
If you are shopping for a new air conditioner, compare SEER ratings to find the most energy-efficient model. Models with higher SEER ratings will cost more upfront, but they will save you money in the long run by using less energy.
What is the ideal SEER rating for your home?
The ideal SEER rating for your home depends on several factors unique to each home, including location, size, and what you are looking for in a heating and cooling system. The US Department of Energy sets a minimum SEER requirement by region; the minimum in the Southwest and Southeast is 14, whereas it is lower in the North. A 13 or 14 SEER rating does not always indicate an inefficient unit; most older air conditioners have an efficiency level of around 8 or 9. Today, even the lowest-available SEER-rated system will be more energy-efficient than older models.
Other factors that affect your HVAC system’s overall efficiency include the unit’s initial cost (higher-rated SEER air conditioners cost more) and the climate in your region.
How can you measure it manually?
To calculate the SEER rating manually, you must find the BTUs per hour and the watts. You can find these numbers either on the air conditioner itself or in the owner’s manual.
Next, calculate the number of BTUs used during the summer months by multiplying the BTUs per hour by 1,000. Then, calculate the number of watt-hours used in the summer by multiplying the watts used per hour by 1,000.
Finally, divide the BTUs used during the summer by the watt-hours used to arrive at your system’s SEER rating. Remember that this is only an estimate, as the SEER rating is typically measured under specific conditions that may not represent your actual usage.
How much money can you save per SEER?
The calculation of how much money you save per SEER is a relative savings calculation that must include two units with a 1 SEER difference.
For example, if you have a 15 SEER and 16 SEER unit, you save (16/15 – 1) * 100% = 6.67% savings per SEER.
If you have a 16 SEER and 17 SEER unit, you save (17/16 – 1) * 100% = 6.25% savings per SEER. And so on.
You can also calculate how much more energy-efficient AC units have a difference in SEER rating greater than 1.
For example, if you have a 14 SEER and a 16 SEER unit, you save (16/14 – 1) * 100% = 14.3% electricity savings.
If you have a 16 SEER and an 18 SEER unit, you save (18/16 – 1) * 100% = 12.3% electricity savings. And so on.
It is vital to measure the SEER rating of your air conditioner. By knowing the SEER rating, you can ensure that you get the most efficient cooling possible for your home. Contact us today to learn more about measuring the SEER rating in your area and how you can save money on energy costs this summer!
