Can you tell if your AC is operating efficiently without consuming unnecessary energy and inflating your electricity bill? Yes, you can easily figure it out with the help of SEER ratings. But the question is, what is SEER and how it works? Well, SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, a measurement that determines how efficiently an air conditioner and other equipment operates over an entire cooling season.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading from an older AC unit with a SEER of 10 to a unit with a SEER of 16 can cut cooling costs by nearly 37.5%. This not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint. This is why the SEER rating matters.
How is it calculated, environmental impact on SEER ratings, and what is the right SEER rating? All the answers to these questions you will find in this blog. Continue reading to understand SEER ratings in detail!
Understanding SEER Ratings
How SEER Ratings are Calculated?
Several factors are considered to calculate a SEER rating for AC systems. The formula for calculating SEER is as follows:
SEER = Total Cooling Output (BTUs) / Total Electrical Energy Input (Watt-hours)
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Cooling Output (BTUs): This refers to the total amount of heat the air conditioner can remove from the air during the cooling season. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of heat energy. The higher the BTUs, the more cooling power the system provides.
- Energy Input (Watt-Hours): This is the total amount of electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner over the same period. It’s measured in watt-hours, where 1 watt-hour equals the energy consumed by one watt of power over the course of one hour.
- Testing Conditions: To ensure consistency, manufacturers calculate SEER ratings under controlled conditions that simulate real-life use. These testing conditions include temperature and humidity levels that reflect the standard range of weather conditions during the cooling season.
- Resulting SEER Value: After these calculations are done, the resulting SEER value is a ratio of how many BTUs of cooling output are delivered for each watt-hour of energy consumed.
Recommended SEER Ratings for HVAC Systems and Why
When it comes to selecting the ideal SEER rating for your HVAC system, understanding how SEER ratings affect your AC unit’s efficiency is crucial to making an informed decision.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are the most common HVAC systems for cooling large spaces or entire homes. Central air conditioners function by using a refrigerant to absorb heat from inside the home and release it outside, providing cooling. The SEER rating for these systems is typically 14 or higher, with efficient units ranging between 16 and 20.
Higher SEER-rated central air conditioners are recommended because of how SEER ratings affect energy bills and their ability to maintain consistent cooling performance without consuming excessive electricity. By optimizing refrigerant flow and improving energy transfer efficiency, higher-SEER units offer significant cost savings, especially in regions with prolonged hot weather. This demonstrates how SEER impacts AC efficiency by making cooling systems more sustainable and affordable.
Heat Pumps
A dual and adaptable system that can both heat and cool a home—heat pumps. They work by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors using a refrigerant cycle. In cooling mode, heat pumps operate similarly to air conditioners by extracting heat from the inside and releasing it outside. In heating mode, the process reverses, and heat is absorbed from outside (even in cold temperatures) and transferred indoors.
For heat pumps, the recommended SEER rating is generally 15 to 18, but higher-end models can reach 18 to 22. Higher SEER ratings in heat pumps improve cooling efficiency and enhance the heating performance in cooler climates. These systems are particularly energy-efficient because they move heat rather than generate it.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems are an excellent choice for homes or spaces without existing ductwork. These systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units that are connected by refrigerant lines. The indoor units can be placed in specific rooms, allowing for “zoning,” which means that different areas of the home can be heated or cooled independently.
Mini-splits work by transferring heat between the inside and outside, similar to heat pumps, but with the added benefit of zoning. SEER ratings for ductless mini-split systems range from 16 to 22. The zoning function ensures that energy is not wasted in rooms that are not in use, making these systems ideal for smaller homes or multi-room settings. They also have minimal energy loss compared to traditional systems, as they don’t rely on ducts, which can lose energy through leakage.
Packaged HVAC Units
These systems are used in commercial buildings or homes with limited space for separate units. The working principle of packaged systems is similar to that of traditional split systems, with a central unit that provides both heating and cooling by cycling refrigerant through the system. These units are usually installed outside the building, on rooftops, or in a small outdoor space.
14 to 16 is the recommended SEER unit for these units, with high energy efficiency in air conditioner models, reaching up to 18 or 20. Packaged units need to be highly energy-efficient because they are exposed to direct weather conditions.
Air-Source HVAC Systems
Air-source HVAC systems include both air conditioners and heat pumps. Air conditioners extract heat from the inside air and release it outdoors, while heat pumps can reverse this process to provide heating. These systems are typically installed outside the home and are most effective when outdoor temperatures are moderate.
The recommended SEER rating for air-source HVAC systems is 14 to 18, with high-efficiency units achieving ratings up to 20. These systems are ideal for climates where cooling is necessary but where temperatures don’t regularly dip below freezing, as air-source systems rely on outdoor air for heat exchange.
Environmental Impact of High SEER Ratings
Reduction In Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By using less energy, high-SEER systems help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by power plants, lowering the overall contribution to global warming and climate change. This reduction in energy consumption is one of the ways how SEER impacts AC efficiency, making the system more sustainable by optimizing energy use.
Less Strain On The Electrical Grid
Choosing an energy-efficient AC system is the best choice. Why? It uses less power, decreasing the strain on the electrical grid, particularly during peak demand periods. This results in fewer power outages and reduced reliance on inefficient, polluting power plants.
Use Of Eco-Friendly Refrigerants
Modern high-SEER HVAC systems use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP), such as R-410A, which reduces their environmental impact compared to older refrigerants that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change.
Longer Lifespan and Reduced Waste
High-SEER systems are built to last longer and require fewer repairs, reducing the need for replacements. This minimizes waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of HVAC systems.
Conclusion
Understanding how air conditioning works and the importance of SEER ratings can help you make smarter choices about energy efficiency and long-term savings. A high SEER-rated system not only keeps your home comfortable but also lowers energy costs. If you’re considering an upgrade or need AC repair near you, Classic Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help. Our expert team provides reliable service to keep your system running efficiently. Whether you need air conditioning, heating, plumbing, or electrical work, we are ready to assist you with quality service you can trust.
