What Does SEER Mean in Air Conditioning?

June 4, 2021

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, is commonly used to determine air conditioning efficiency. The SEER rating is a figure you'll want to understand better since it can help you determine what's suitable for your needs, comfort preferences, and budget when it's time to choose a new air conditioner.

What SEER is and How It's Calculated

SEER is presented as a ratio, with the first number being cooling output for a particular air conditioner system for a typical cooling season. This figure is divided by the energy that the unit uses in Watt-hours. A "typical" cooling season is determined by looking at temperature variations for the entire season between 60 and 100 degrees.

Higher SEER-Rated Air Conditioners

The minimum SEER standard for air conditioning today is 13, but it can get to around 21 or a bit higher. If you go with a higher SEER-rated air conditioner, you'll be more comfortable when summers are really hot and humid. Units with a higher SEER rating usually have two specific features:

A variable-speed blower
A variable-speed/2-stage compressor

Variable speed means these components operate at different speeds. What this does is control temperature and system performance better while also boosting efficiency.

Lower SEER-Rated Air Conditioners

Air conditioners with lower SEER ratings usually have single-stage components, meaning they operate at a constant speed whenever they are being used. Therefore, when it's mild, the unit would turn on and off more frequently. However, when it gets more humid and hot, the system will need to run longer to obtain the desired level of comfort. This, in turn, makes the air conditioner less efficient.

Other Factors Can Affect Efficiency

Keep in mind that SEER is just an indication of what a particular cooling system's maximum efficiency could be. For instance, if the SEER rating is 21 for an air conditioning unit, you may still have issues with system efficiency if you have leaking ductwork that makes the AC system work harder.

So, Which SEER Rating is Right for You?

What's suitable for your situation will depend on several factors, including what you have now. If you have an older air conditioner with a SEER rating of 8 or 9, for example, a newer one that's at the current minimum of 13 will be much more efficient. Other factors to keep in with SEER ratings include:

Whether or not you have supplemental cooling sources in your home.
How heat and humidity normally affect your home's indoor comfort.
How efficient the rest of your home is.
Your budget.

Call Us Today

Do you still need some help sorting through SEER ratings and other air conditioning selection factors? The experts at Master Mechanical are here to help! We'll discuss your comfort preferences, make recommendations with sizing and efficiency, and get everything set up once you've made your decision that works for your needs and budget.

Call our air conditioning and comfort pros today to learn more about our service options.