What Does SEER Mean?

People ask us all the time what does SEER mean? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a mathematical measurement of how efficient an air conditioning system uses electricity.

Think of it like the miles per gallon rating on new cars.

SEER is calculated by through an equation using BTUs, Kilo-Watts, operating hours, load hours and is far too complex to share here.  In a nutshell, it calculates the cost of running your ac system in your area over the course of a year under optimal conditions.  Using the map below we are able to calculate the Cooling Load Hours for any particular region of the United States.

SEER ratings are Fake News.

Let me explain.

Many sales people will sell you an AC unit with a high SEER rating and will tell you your system will achieve that rating.  That is not necessarily true.

SEER ratings are based on the entire indoor/outdoor system. The outdoor unit (AC Condenser, or the Heat Pump Condenser), the furnace and the evaporator coil. 

These units combined make up the SEER rating for your system.  So an AC unit with a 18 SEER rating paired with a lower rated furnace and coil will not achieve a 18 SEER rating.

In the same vein, installing a new AC unit with an old furnace/coil setup will never produce the publicized SEER rating.

To know for sure, you should   Always ask for the AHRI certificate to verify your new system.    (Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Institute. )

If you have further questions or would like to know the current SEER rating of your heating and air conditioning system, please contact one of our Extreme Comfort Advisors for details.

Click on the link below to find a list of our current HVAC Specials for AC Repair, Service, Maintenance, and Installation.  Please feel free to contact us and let us help you find a special that is perfect for your Air Conditioning needs.