In the HVAC industry, you may hear a number of acronyms and unfamiliar phrases thrown around. One acronym you need to know is SEER rating. You may be wondering what it is and how it impacts your Port Arthur, Texas, home. Learn more about SEER and what it means regarding efficiency in the HVAC world.
What Does SEER Mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A SEER rating is the ratio of an air conditioner’s output over a typical cooling season, divided by how much energy it uses in watt-hours. One important distinguishing factor is that the rating is an average calculated over an entire cooling season. The formula often includes a variety of outdoor temperatures, ranging between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, to more accurately simulate a typical season.
Minimum and Maximum SEER Ratings
Certain states have different requirements for minimum SEER ratings, such as Texas, which has a minimum of 14. Most states have a SEER cooling system minimum rating of 14. Modern technology limits the efficiency potential, so the maximum ratings are between 21 and 25.
Is it Worth Replacing Your HVAC System?
Although some people believe that a modern air conditioner with a SEER rating closer to the minimum is low-efficiency, this is actually not the case. An AC system or heat pump with a rating of 14 will operate much more efficiently than an older unit. Air conditioning systems from 10 or more years ago may have a rating between 8 and 9 or even lower.
Therefore, replacing your outdated unit can provide drastic improvements in efficiency right away. If your AC is more than 10 years old, it’s likely reaching the end of its functional lifespan and you may want to consider an upgrade with a more efficient option.
At Thermacon Service Company, Inc., we offer a number of cooling systems with SEER ratings that can boost your home’s efficiency, so contact us for more information at 866-797-1535.
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