What Air Conditioning SEER Really Is
In the world of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, the acronym SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. HVAC professionals define it as ‘the measurement of how efficient the energy of the air conditioning system is’. Using the SEER ratings, consumers are given the chance to compare the operating costs of different heating and cooling products.
The formula of an air conditioning SEER is simply the quantity of the total cooling over the cooling season divided by the quantity of total electrical energy input over the cooling season. The Department of Energy also has its definition, which is SEER equals the total cooling in British Thermal Units divided by the consumed watts.
If the result is more than 10, it means that air conditioning SEER is efficient. So the basic principle is, the higher the SEER, the more energy efficient it is. This means that the air conditioner needs lower electrical energy to function in cooling the building. This also means that the system 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.
Air conditioners with the highest SEER are ideal for places with long, very hot seasons. Since high SEER means low energy consumption, the climate control system can be used in longer periods without regard to electrical charges. Also, the system does not affect the operation of other equipment run by electricity.
On January 23, 2006, the mandated 13 SEER law has started to take effect as ordered by the federal government through the Department of Energy. The law states that all heating, ventilating, and air conditioning manufacturers must NOT manufacture HVAC units using a SEER rating of less than 13.0. It replaced the 1979 average rating of 6.0 and the 1990′s minimum standard of 10.0. The mandate was implemented because of irrevocable grounds. First and foremost, the new law aims to decrease the national consumption of energy and to eradicate facilities that breed pollution and harmful toxins. Basically, the new standard applies to central air conditioning systems or split systems. Since many households have existing air conditioners with low SEER, the law gives consideration such that repairs can be performed instead of a total system replacement.
So in choosing or upgrading air conditioners, look for new air conditioning units, because these surely have high SEER. Most of the older versions have an SEER of 10 or 6 or even lesser. If you want to have greater savings, then consider air conditioning units with higher SEER, at least 13 and above. The next question here may be the cost. Surely, 13 SEER units cost more. According to the estimates of the DOE, 13 SEER units cost about 15% more than 10 SEER models. However, in the long run, 13 SEER units provide 30% more cooling per watt consumed, and additional savings of $113 more than its cost when you purchased it!