Skyrocketing energy bills, painfully slow cooling, environmental concerns—it’s clear that energy efficiency is important in HVAC systems. Whatever your motivation, understanding what you can do to make the cooling in your business or home more efficient requires an understanding of SEER ratings.
But, what is SEER rating? And why do you need to know about it? This post will help you answer these questions as you make your systems more economical.
What is SEER Rating?
Let’s start with the basics: What is SEER rating? How is it calculated? How do I interpret a SEER rating?
How It’s Calculated
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This ratio is calculated by dividing the number of British thermal units (BTUs) of heat removed from space by the amount of energy it took to remove the heat (in watt-hours). This calculation is determined over a typical cooling season. In other words, the SEER rating determines how much energy it takes an HVAC unit to cool a space.
SEER ratings range from 14 to over 25, with higher numbers representing higher energy efficiency. In 2024, the minimum SEER requirement for AC units was set to 14 for the northern US and 15 for the southern and southwest regions of the country.
SEER vs. EER
You may have also heard of the energy efficiency ratio (EER), which is similar to SEER. The difference is that SEER calculates the efficiency of a unit over a period of time with varying temperatures (like over the summer) and EER determines the efficiency of a unit at a specific outdoor temperature, generally 95°F.
Why Does SEER Rating Matter?
With a more efficient unit, combined with well-functioning ductwork and proper usage patterns, your home or business will cool down more quickly and use less energy doing it.
This results in a lower utility bill for you and a better impact on the environment. By using less energy, you’ll be doing your part to save precious resources and care for the earth. High SEER units also maintain consistent temperatures better, creating a more pleasant environment inside.
How Does SEER Rating Affect Costs?
As you decide what kind of cooling system to purchase for your space, we recommend keeping the following cost considerations in mind.
- Upfront Costs: SEER units tend to be more expensive initially, with prices anywhere from $200 to $5000 more for a higher SEER rating.
- Long-term Savings: The savings from lower utility bills can add up quickly and may offset the initial higher expense of the high SEER unit. Online calculators can help you estimate your savings.
- Tax Credits and Rebates: Many states are in the process of being able to offer rebates for using energy-efficient appliances in homes, including North Carolina and Virginia, making SEER units even more worth the investment.
How Do I Choose the Right SEER Rating?
Selecting the right cooling unit for your space is more than just heading to the store and purchasing the highest SEER unit you can find.
This is because the efficiency of your HVAC system depends on more than just SEER—it’s influenced by several other factors.
- Local Climate: Very hot or very humid climates force your unit to work harder, decreasing efficiency.
- Usage Patterns: If your cooling season is very short or you don’t use your AC often, a high SEER unit may not be worth the initial cost.
- Size and Layout of Space: Larger, more complex homes and businesses are harder to cool, so a high SEER unit may not be as effective.
- Age and State of Structure: Leaky or poorly laid-out ductwork and faulty insulation can reduce cooling efficiency, even with a high SEER unit.
Your individual long-term needs and budget are also important to consider when determining what level of SEER you need. Take some time to sit down, do a little math to compare initial costs and future savings, and evaluate your needs and financial capabilities before you make a decision.
Consulting a trusted HVAC professional can also be beneficial, as they are familiar with different kinds of units and how they work in different environments and spaces. They can also perform an inspection on your home or business to help you estimate what SEER level would be most effective for you based on the layout of your home and the state of your ductwork.
Maximize Efficiency with Bell Cow
At Bell Cow, we want your cooling system to meet your needs in every way possible. Whether you’re ready to install your new, energy-efficient HVAC or just exploring your options and wondering, “What is a SEER rating?”, we’re here to help with premium products, expert insights, and first-class customer service.
For any questions about your cooling system, just call Bell Cow.