For all your Heating, Cooling, and Electric needs! call 256-464-5551 text 256-679-0118 or email us at info@acsinc.org
For all your Heating, Cooling, and Electric needs! call 256-464-5551 text 256-679-0118 or email us at info@acsinc.org
What is SEER?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): A method used to measure how much cooling a system puts out for each unit of energy it consumes.To calculate SEER, find the ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. Think of it as a "MPG" rating on a vehicle.
Using our MPG analogy, the larger the MPG rating means the further the vehicle can go on one gallon of gasoline. In the same way, the higher the SEER number, the more cooling is produced per amount of energy, so the more efficient the unit is. Since 2015 in the US, central air units must be at least 14 SEER for energy effiencenty reasons. However, even 20 SEER units are available!
While the cost of a higher SEER unit on the outset is slightly higher, the amount of money saved from requireing less energy to cool your home is phenominal. For example, in Huntsville, AL upgrading from a 13 SEER system to an 18 SEER system will save approx. $230 annually, that is over $2000 over typical life of a unit!*
20 SEER systems provide the greatest energy savings and are highly efficient. They have a two-stage system which operates on "low" most days, automatically switching to "high" on the hottest days. They also have a variable-speed motor and are known for providing quiet and highly reliable cooling for 15+ years.
In addition, it is much better for the environment. The higher the SEER, the less air pollution. Going from a 13 SEER to 20 SEER has an air pollution reduction equivalence of up to 4 cars removed from the road!*
There are other factors that may affect your energy savings. While a new energy-efficient unit will drastically reduce your energy bill (as much as 55% if upgrading to a 20-SEER!*) there are reasons your system may not operate at peak efficiency. The way the duct work is laid out, dirt and blockages in the duct system, and lack of maintance or changing any filters will all make it opperate poorly. So be sure to check out these potential issues as well.
*EnergyStar.gov
