An AC unit’s energy efficiency can be measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Basically, a higher SEER rating translates into a more energy-efficient system. Mathematically speaking, the rating is arrived at by dividing the cooling output with total energy consumption.

1. SEER – An Air Conditioning Unit’s
Energy-Efficiency Metric
What is SEER?
An AC unit’s energy efficiency can be measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Ratio). Basically, a higher SEER rating translates into a more energy-efficient system.
Mathematically speaking, the rating is arrived at by dividing the cooling output with total
energy consumption. The output is expressed in terms of BTUs or British Thermal Units,
while the energy consumed is noted down in watt-hours. The Department of Energy first
developed the rating system during the late 1970s as a unit to measure air conditioning
equipment efficiency.
With the increasing energy prices, energy efficiency has become a focal point of
discussion, with rating systems like SEER thriving on the trend.
SEER ratings take an air conditioner’s efficiency into account for the entire season; the
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating considers output for a specific time period. For
instance, the SEER system will measure an air conditioner’s count for the entire year,
whereas EER rating will account for a specific day or time of the year. SEER ratings are
usually between the numbers 6 and 25, with newer models clicking the top-end of the
range, since brand new units are good at energy efficiency.
There are certain government laws that mandate specific minimum energy efficiency
level, put down in SEER rating language. For instance, in America, all air conditioning
units sold in 2006 or later must have a minimum SEER number of 13. However,
window-mounted air conditioners aren’t part of this rule, and it’s normal for them to have
a rating hovering around 9 or 10. For Energy Star certificates, HVAC units
http://jmairnheat.com/blog/seer-air-conditioning-units-energy-efficiency-metric/ must
have a minimum rating of 14.
A more efficient system will be needed during hot summers, as electricity consumption
usually go through the roof during sunny seasons.
One can see increased savings in cooling expenses by upgrading to a newer and more
efficient air conditioning model. For instance, upgrading from a SEER rating of eight to
13 would mean 33 % more efficiency or energy cost savings. The savings over the

2. years could amount to several hundred dollars, resulting in the new unit paying itself for
its price via the savings.
If you are interested in buying or knowing about air conditioning equipment with the best
SEER ratings, call us!