SEER Ratings for Central Air Conditioning

To test for general effectiveness, there are particular ratings for central air conditioning systems.

We are all virtually aware of the term Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER. When we purchase heating, ventilation and air conditioning products, we always encounter this acronym. We see in the machine labels like 6.0 SEER, 10 SEER, 13 SEER, 16 SEER, or 18 SEER. This is because SEER is ‘the measure of the how efficient the energy of the air conditioning system is’. The cooling efficiency of central air conditioners is compared with the use of the SEER ratings. This gives consumers the chance to compare operating costs of different heating and cooling products.

So what do the numbers beside SEER mean? The lesson is, the higher the number (which is actually the rating), the better the quality, the superior the performance. Started in January 2006, the standard SEER now is 13.0. This is sponsored by the 13 SEER laws which mandate HVAC companies to manufacture units using a SEER of 13 or more. This is very important because air conditioning units having higher SEER consume lesser electrical energy; thus, saving the pocket bank from eye widening high bills. Higher SEER rating also means that the unit does not compete with other electrically driven equipment. And since it does not consume much energy, it does not affect other sensitive devices such as telecommunication gadgets. Sometimes, the acronym EER is also seen on the products. EER means Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is similar with SEER. It is no big deal.

Also, there are now energy efficiency regulations that require standard ratings for central air conditioning units. Some consider the use of refrigerants. Of course, HVAC systems with ozone-depleting refrigerants which are being phased out now have lower ratings as compared to systems that make use of eco-friendly refrigerants.

Indeed, there should always be a standard rating for central air conditioning systems as these systems cater to residential houses and commercial buildings. This is advantageous too because central air conditioners are semi permanently installed in houses or buildings which means a long lasting system. With the standard ratings which the central system should conform to, consumers are guaranteed of best and of quality products and services in the industry.

So if you are planning to purchase or upgrade central air conditioners, look for newer air conditioning units. These surely have high SEER ratings unlike the older models that only have a SEER of 10 or 6 or even lesser. For greater savings, try opting for air conditioning units that have higher SEER of at least 13 and above. As for the next question of how much it costs