Just about every type of mechanical system or unit comes with a rating that tells you how much energy the device will use or how the device is expected to perform in terms of fuel usage. For air conditioners, this rating is known as SEER: seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Technically SEER is a rating that describes the ratio of cooling in BTUs to the amount of energy that is consumed; the energy consumed is measured in watt hours. However, you won’t have to worry about being this technical. What you have to know is a) what the scale is and b) what the numbers mean, and the experts at Downtown Air & Heat can help with that.
The SEER Scale
SEER is akin to mpg for cars – it tells you how efficient a specific model and unit will be. The scale starts at 1, which is the lowest, and runs to over 23, which is the highest. Federal laws mandate that every whole home air conditioning system be manufactured with a minimum SEER of 13 (this was upgraded in 2006 from the previous minimum of 10), but you can choose a system with a higher SEER if you are looking to save on energy.
How to Interpret SEER
There can be a lot of confusion about how to interpret the SEER rating and use it to your advantage. The main misinterpretation of SEER is that it indicates that a specific unit at a SEER of 13 won’t cool your home as well as the same unit at a SEER of 16; this isn’t true. The unit will cool the same, but the difference is that the unit with the higher SEER will cool it using less energy. This is how you save on energy and also save money.
The trained experts at Downtown Air & Heat can help you navigate SEER and all that it means for you and your air conditioning. Call us today and schedule an appointment for your home in Orlando, FL.
