What is a SEER Rating? What Does It Mean?

One of the most common terms used to compare HVAC units is SEER or SEER ranking. If you're shopping for a new HVAC for your house or office, you're probably going to come across this term often. Understanding what it means will be valuable when comparing different systems. So, what exactly is a SEER rating?

Here's the short answer: the SEER score is the term used to describe the performance of an HVAC unit. The higher the number is, the more effective the system is. That's the simple explanation of what a SEER ranking is, but let's dig a little deeper to give you a better understanding.

SEER Means

The acronym "SEER" means Seasonal Energy Effectiveness Ratio. This proportion is the number noted as an HVAC unit's SEER ranking. For example, the minimal SEER rating today in most geographical locations is 14 SEER. That means an HVAC must at least fulfill a Period Energy Effectiveness Ratio of 14.

Exactly How is the SEER Score Calculated?

You might be wondering how that number established specifically. Let's get into the details.

Determining the SEER rating is pretty basic. It's determined by splitting the cooling result of an HVAC  by the power that was used to produce that outcome. So, the SEER ranking discloses the quantity of power that is used to create the average cooling output in a common air conditioning season. The higher the number, the less power is used which equates to far better efficiency.

The Greater the SEER the Better

As you're beginning to understand, the higher the number, the more efficient the HVAC system (or heat pump) is. In other words, a device with a greater SEER score is going to use less energy to create the same quantity of cooling power when compared to a device with a reduced SEER score. This should lead to cash saved and reduced energy bills. Who doesn't want that?

Higher Upfront Price

As we all know, the better quality something is, the more it costs. HVAC units are no different. When shopping for a brand-new air conditioner, you'll realize that the price rises as the SEER score goes up. There are other aspects that impact the price, but this is one of the main factors. While paying more isn't fun, it's essential to keep in mind the power and cash that will be saved over time.

We hope you've learned a thing or two about SEER scores, and that you'll use this knowledge to make an informed buying decision for your new HVAC.

If you have any questions or comments, please share them below. We'd love to hear from you!