What Is SEER?
In the HVAC world, there are a lot of different terms, some you’re familiar with and some you probably aren’t. When it comes to air conditioning in particular, SEER is one of the most important terms to understand!
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This air conditioner rating describes how well the equipment uses electricity to cool your home. Higher SEER ratings indicate better efficiency and therefore lower energy bills. By understanding this AC efficiency rating, you can shop for new equipment with confidence.
What SEER Rating Is Best?
Air conditioning efficiency has improved drastically over the past few decades. In 1992, 10 SEER was the minimum performance rating permitted for newly manufactured equipment. In 2006, the minimum was raised to 13 SEER.
The most recent efficiency standards went into effect in 2015. New equipment installed in the South and Southwest must be 14 SEER or higher. New equipment installed in the North, including New Jersey, can still be 13 SEER.
You may want to purchase an ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioner for enhanced performance, advanced features, and improved home comfort. Cooling equipment must be 15 SEER or higher to qualify. The best SEER ratings available today reach the mid- to high-20s.
How to Calculate SEER Ratings
To determine an AC’s SEER rating, it’s put through a series of tests to see how it performs before hitting the market. SEER is calculated by taking the total cooling output across the entire summer (in British thermal units, or Btu) divided by the total electricity consumed in the process (in watt-hours).
You might notice another rating on central air conditioners called EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio. This tells you the air conditioner’s ability to remove heat at any given moment rather than over the entire cooling season. High EER ratings indicate that the equipment will keep up on the hottest summer days without costing you a fortune.
Shop for a New Air Conditioner in Central New Jersey
Now that you understand SEER ratings, you can confidently shop for a replacement air conditioner. At Arctic Air Conditioning, we offer a great selection of Lennox cooling systems for New Jersey homeowners. From the affordable Merit Series to the balanced Elite Series to the high-performing Signature Collection, you’ll find just what you’re looking for from Lennox.
Once you select the right equipment for your home, let our experienced team install your new air conditioner for performance and efficiency. We’ll make sure you maximize your AC’s SEER rating to the fullest!
To learn more, or to schedule services, please contact us today. We proudly serve Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Ocean, Union, and Somerset counties.
