Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

What is SEER?! and what determines a high seer mini split?

In this article, seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is explained. if you have questions like how to find seer rating on ac unit, or what does seer mean in air conditioning or what is a good seer rating for a heat pump, this post is for you!

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it is a measure of the efficiency of air conditioning and heat pump systems. It is used to indicate how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the system is.

The formula

SEER is calculated using a formula that takes into account the total cooling output (measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs) divided by the total electrical energy input (measured in watt-hours) over a typical cooling season. This means integral or sum of all the cooling energy it produced over all the energy it consumed for the entire season. The Seasonal energy efficiency ratio formula is as follows:

SEER=Total Cooling Output (BTUs)/Total Electrical Energy Input (watt-hours)

The AHRI defines the cooling season based on typical temperatures and how air conditioners are used. This helps energy advisors and consumers compare heat pumps and understand how different models will impact operating costs based on a building’s cooling needs. You can find examples of this here.

There is a new definition of seasonal energy efficiency ratio since January of 2023 which is referred as SEER2. It is an improved representation of field performance. It increases the external static pressure of test procedure for the SEER calculation. Also, seer2 vs seer comparison chart has been introduced in some resources.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum SEER ratings for new air conditioners and heat pumps. Higher SEER ratings mean better energy efficiency, leading to lower energy bills. When buying a heat pump or air conditioner, prioritize models with higher SEER ratings for the best energy savings. 

The difference between SEER and SEER2

• The main difference is how the ratings are tested.
• SEER2 reflects how your unit will actually work in your home. SEER2 is an updated version of the SEER rating system introduced in 2023.
• SEER2 testing uses a new procedure (M1) that includes more stringent conditions. The goal of SEER2 is to provide a more realistic measurement of how an air conditioner or heat pump will perform in typical real-world conditions.

Conclusion

• Cooling for Less: A high-SEER air conditioner gobbles up less electricity to deliver the same amount of cooling as a low SEER unit. Think of it like a fuel-efficient car – more miles per gallon.
• Warmth with Savings: Heat pumps also come with SEER ratings. In this case, a higher SEER translates to superior energy efficiency during those chilly months.
• Why SEER Matters: Sure, units with high SEER ratings might have a slightly steeper initial price tag. But remember, they’ll save you money in the long run through lower power bills. Plus, you’re doing the environment a favor by using less energy.
• Minimum Standards: The government sets minimum SEER requirements to ensure a baseline of efficiency. Currently, in most places, the minimum SEER for new air conditioners is around 13 or 14. But there are models out there with SEER ratings soaring into the 20s!

So, what’s a good SEER rating?

It depends on several factors like your local climate and the size of your home. An HVAC professional can help you select the perfect SEER rating to balance upfront cost with long-term savings.

In a nutshell, remember this: A higher SEER rating is like a stamp of approval for your air conditioner or heat pump’s energy-saving prowess.

Do you need the best quotes for heat pump installation in Montreal? So, all you have to do is to contact us right now!

Also, if you want to learn more about other energy-related metrics for HVAC systems, we recommend checking out a new article on the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF).