When purchasing a new air conditioning system for a commercial building or a residential home, finding the unit that will provide the highest level of efficiency to cool the square footage required is always important. The more efficient the air conditioner is, the lower the cost of operation will be over the life of the system.

WHAT ARE SEER RATINGS?

To allow consumers to have a way to identify the efficiency of the air conditioner, the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute has developed a set of standards. This uses the SEER rating to assign a specific number to represent the efficiency of the unit.

The specific formula used to determine SEER ratings is the same for all air conditioners and air-source heat pumps at a temperature of 82 degrees. It measures the specific cooling output during the season divided by the amount of electricity the unit used. The higher the number of the SEER rating the more efficient the air conditioner or heat pump will be to operate.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. While it is important, it is also essential to consider other factors to determine if the AC is the best possible unit for your needs. The ambient environmental conditions in your geographic location will be important considerations as higher temperatures will require greater cooling capacity.

EVALUATING THE RATING

For compressor-types of air conditioning systems using SEER ratings, the federal government sets a minimum efficiency rating of 13 or 14. This will depend on where you live with the rating of at least a 14 seen across the southern part of the United States, including Florida, where there is a long seasonal use of an air conditioner and sustained higher temperatures.

Keep in mind, 14 SEER is just the minimum requirement. At Howard Services, we can discuss the options for your specific home or commercial AC needs. Give us a call today at 904-398-1414.