What is a SEER Rating?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is a ranking ratio of cooling power generated to energy consumption in central air conditioner units. It informs the resident just how energy efficient the cooling and heating system is performing.
How to Find SEER Rating on AC Unit
The SEER rating for most of your AC units is usually found attached to the outside of the unit on a yellow ticket. If it cannot be located there, the AHRI has a directory that can generate this info when make and model are given.
How the Energy Policy Act of 1992 Established the SEER Rating
In 1992, the Energy Policy Act was signed that addressed new efficiency standards that included cooling and heating units, so that:
- Energy consumption nation-wide might be lowered
- The overall health of many might be improved
- Many household utility bills would be lowered when weathering the hot and humid season
- Power plant pollution might be decreased
These SEER ratings were set up by the federal government to ensure that the consumer would be informed when considering the purchase of a new HVAC. These values would give them an idea of which cooling system rating number would best serve them in the geographical area where they live.
What Do SEER Ratings Mean?
Close attention should be given to the SEER rating when a consumer is purchasing a new cooling system as it does have an effect on energy consumption.
- If the rating is low, the higher the energy cost.
- If the rating is higher, the more energy-efficient the unit is. These systems provide more cool air with the bonus of lower energy costs, which can add up to a 20-40% savings on air conditioning bills each year.
People living in an area where the temperature is mostly hot the majority of the time, requiring continuous use of an air conditioner, would benefit by purchasing a higher SEER rating HVAC.
What is the Current SEER Requirement?
The required ranking in the United States for any new residential air conditioner unit that is sold has to be a minimum of 13 SEER and up to 23. Many consumers who still own the older models of air conditioning units are not aware that the SEER rating is much lower, which is a very important reason to have it replaced. By purchasing an up-to-date model, they can be assured that it will include a rating to inform them of just how energy efficient their unit is.
Go green with energy and money-saving HVAC units. Call the experts of Wickstrom Plumbing Heating & Cooling. at (208) 505-9352 to make your home more efficient today.