The HVAC industry is full of jargon. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC installation in Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach or Fort Pierce, you’re likely to encounter the term SEER ratings. This is one of the most meaningful HVAC terms for consumers because it tells you how efficient the system is or how much it costs to run in other words.
What Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios Mean
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and its cousin EER measure how much cooling power air conditioners and heat pumps deliver in relation to the amount of energy consumed. This is how it’s calculated:
- Experts measure the amount of heat that the system removes in British thermal units (Btu).
- At the same time, they track the total amount of electricity used in watt-hours.
- The SEER rating is determined by dividing the Btu by the number of watt-hours consumed.
With a SEER rating, manufacturers track the unit’s performance in a variety of temperatures and humidity levels that would occur during the cooling season. That’s why the first letter of the acronym stands for seasonal. EER ratings are calculated at a constant temperature, so they don’t give you the full picture.
How to Compare SEER Ratings
Reviewing SEER ratings are the easiest way to compare HVAC systems at a glance. Today, you can find central air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits with SEER ratings between 14 and 23. Since 2015, all air conditioners and heat pumps sold in Florida must have a minimum SEER of 14. A SEER of 15 is required to qualify for the Energy Star label.
Getting Advice from an HVAC Contractor
If your current HVAC system was installed more than 15 years ago, a high-efficiency unit could lower your cooling bills by 30 percent. To learn more about SEER ratings or to request a quote for a new HVAC installation, contact Grimes Heating & Air Conditioning today. You can also learn more about our HVAC services online.
