SEER – What Is It and Is It Important?

Sooner or later, most Jacksonville homeowners need to invest in Jacksonville AC repair. The situation may even be at a point where they need to completely remove and replace their existing unit. Most Jacksonville AC repair companies also handle replacements and installations so you can rely on the same company for all of your air conditioner needs.

You’ll hear a lot of terms flying around once you’re ready to install a new unit. One of the terms you’ll see quite often is SEER. This is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. On the one hand, SEER ratings are meant to make AC shopping easier for the consumer by quantifying an important concept. However, it’s still a good idea to have an understanding of what it actually means so that you’re not taken advantage of.

How Is A SEER Rating Determined?

The number itself is the ratio of the unit’s cooling output during the cooling season divided by the actual energy it consumes. The cooling output is expressed in terms of BTUs, and the energy consumption is expressed in terms of watt-hours. A SEER rating of 14 is equal to 14 BTU per 1 watt-hour. Therefore, the higher the number, the higher the potential energy efficiency of the unit.

What Is A Good SEER to Aim For?

Older AC units might have a SEER rating as low as 6. That is extremely inefficient. Energy Star begins to certify units that have a SEER rating of at least 14 as “efficient.” In comparison, a SEER 14 unit can experience a 56 percent reduction in energy usage when compared to a SEER 6 unit. Even when compared to a SEER 10 unit, that energy reduction of SEER 14 is still 28 percent. Anywhere between 14 and 16 is a great number to aim for.

Is SEER The Most Important Factor?

Absolutely not. SEER represents energy efficiency in perfect conditions. The Jacksonville AC repair company you choose to install the AC will actually play a bigger role in the unit’s efficiency. An improperly installed AC unit can suffer efficiency losses above 50 percent. Not only do you need to choose the right SEER, but you need to choose the right people to install it.

Howard Services is an HVAC specialist that services the Jacksonville, FL area. They perform repairs, maintenance, and complete replacements. They also offer 24/7 emergency services.