If you’re looking to shop for a new Air Conditioning unit, it is important to acquire in-depth knowledge of what you should be on the lookout for.
When it comes to buying an efficient heating or cooling system, there are a lot of factors to consider. On average, people pay attention to the brand of the system, the type of A/C (whether it is split or window form), and the cost of installation.
They do all these and almost forget the most important factor of all: the SEER Rating.
What is a SEER rating and why is it such a big deal?
Average homeowners today with a functional A/C do not know what the SEER rating of their system is. Most homeowners make these purchases without fully understanding how important this little factor is to their home.
A SEER rating is a large determinant of how efficient a cooling or heating system is going to function. Not only does it determine vital things like air quality, but it also goes a long way in determining the bills in your electricity budget.
WHAT IS SEER AND WHEN WAS IT ESTABLISHED?
The SEER rating is simply Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a form of measurement used to calculate the efficiency of any cooling or heating equipment.
Before the year 1992, there was no standard form of measurement that was used to gauge the energy efficiency of these systems in the United States. At the time the government established SEER ratings, the chosen standard was a minimum of 10 SEER units for all heating and cooling systems.
The onset of this standard from 1992 led to a considerable and appreciated decrease in the bills Americans were expected to settle as energy consumers.
HOW IS SEER CALCULATED?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is calculated by measuring how the system manages energy over time. Because it is a straightforward ratio, substituting the needed values into the standard formula is enough to provide an accurate result.
The SEER rating of an air conditioning unit is calculated by simply dividing the number of British Thermal Units extracted from the air by the energy used in Watt per hour.
The British Thermal Units, or BTUs, is the total amount of heat extracted from a house during a typical cooling season.
Because the SEER rating determines the efficiency of an air conditioning system, the higher the rating, the better the unit.
As of recently, the federal standard SEER rating has been set to a minimum of 13. Modern heating and cooling systems may possess SEER ratings as high as 21.
CHOOSING THE BEST WITH SEER
When purchasing a new air conditioning unit, the SEER rating can often be gotten without the need for calculations.
SEER ratings have gone a long way in providing cleaner air in homes. It has provided a more efficient operation of heating and cooling systems in homes while functioning on less energy.
Discovering the rating of the air conditioning system ensures that your electricity bills remain within your budget. This goes a long way in helping you to reduce monthly utility bills and save more money.
The higher the SEER rating of your air conditioning system, the lower the annual operating costs. SEER ratings provide valuable insights on the amount needed for a lifetime cost of operation and maintenance.
Overall, while it is important to take in factors like size of home and presence of Warranty, choosing an air conditioning unit with a high SEER rating is your best bet to securing an efficiently functioning system.
When in doubt, simply secure recommendations from experts who are knowledgeable about the best SEER ratings for your home.
