As air conditioner season really ramps up, it’s a great time to have a refresher course on what SEER is and how it factors into your home comfort. Additionally, if you’re in the market for a new AC, it’s important to take into consideration SEER ratings to find the best cooling system for your home.
What is SEER?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a rating found on all residential air conditioners. It is calculated by dividing the total cooling output for a typical summer season by the total energy input during that same time. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency.
Currently in Canada, ENERGY STAR specifications for central air conditioners require that the EnerGuide SEER rating be a minimum of 15 for single-package units and split systems. However, there are incentives for homeowners to replace their cooling systems with even more efficient units. To qualify for the current Save on Energy/Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) incentives, homeowners need to install a cooling system with a minimum 18 SEER to save $600.
SEER and Decreased Energy Bills
According to the Save on Energy website, new ENERGY STAR certified central air conditioners use up to 20% less energy than their traditional counterparts. That means that there are significant savings to be had over a whole cooling season. When bundled with other energy efficiency strategies—like smart or programmable thermostats—you could see a drastic drop in monthly hydro bills.
SEER and Home Comfort
It is extremely important to install the right air conditioner for your home in order to have maximum comfort. SEER ratings represent the potential efficiency of the unit under perfect conditions. Varying climate from the test temperature or inadequate insulation can significantly alter the efficiency of an air conditioner. That’s why it’s imperative to have a qualified professional correctly audit you home to find the correct size AC unit for your needs.
Did You Know: SEER is a product of the whole cooling system and installation. Buying the right evaporator coil and having it professionally installed can increase your SEER by an additional 1.5!
A1 Air Conditioning and Heating has been designing and installing residential heating and air conditioning comfort systems for 50 years.
Contact us today with any questions you have about your cooling system.
Leave a Comments