Understanding SEER Ratings: What They Mean for Your HVAC System

When selecting an HVAC system, you must choose one that is energy-efficient. Many ratings are used to figure out HVAC efficiency. The SEER rating is the most crucial factor among them.

So, you must learn about SEER ratings to improve efficiency with the right system. It is mainly used over the cooling season to find your HVAC efficiency. Consult The Chill Brothers or other HVAC experts to find the efficiency of your system.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the SEER rating of HVAC systems, how to calculate it, the difference between SEER and SEER2, regional rating requirements, and the benefits of high SEER rating.

What is a SEER Rating and How is It Calculated?

SEER is the abbreviation of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a metric for evaluating cooling efficiency. It calculates the amount of cooling in BTUs for each watt-hour of electricity consumption.

A higher SEER rating signifies improved energy efficiency. You can save energy usage and in turn energy bills. It will also be more environmentally friendly.

A system with a lower SEER rating will end up being inefficient.

Way to Calculate the SEER Rating

The SEER rating is usually mentioned by the manufacturer of your HVAC system. You can find it on the label of the EnergyGuide or in the specifications of the product. So, you don’t need to calculate it in most cases.

The SEER rating is determined by the ratio of cooling output to energy input. The cooling output should be taken from the cooling season in BTUs. Meanwhile, the energy input should be taken in watts per hour. Here is the formula to calculate the SEER rating:

SEER = [Total Cooling Output (BTUs)] / [Total Energy Input (Watt-Hours)]

You can calculate it as the SEER ratings explained above. Consult any HVAC expert for better HVAC efficiency according to this SEER rating.

SEER vs. SEER2: Which One Is The Correct Rating?

Both SEER and SEER2 are correct in finding out the energy efficiency of your system. Both ratings can measure the cooling efficiency of the system.

However, SEER2 supersedes the original SEER rating. It calculates the same way but with more accuracy. From January 2023, the DOE has upgraded this rating.

Here are the key differences between SEER and SEER2:

What Different SEER and SEER2 Ratings Mean for Your HVAC

Different ranges of ratings indicate different efficiency for systems. Here are the different ranges of SEER and SEER2 ratings.

1.     SEER/SEER2 Ratings: 13 to 15 (Standard Efficiency)

If you find the SEER or SEER2 rating within the 13 to 15 range according to your region, it is in the standard level. You can pick the HVAC if it has a rating within this range. However, it is good for minimal cooling requirements. 

If you have a tight budget and still want to pick a standard efficient HVAC, this range will be good to go. But do not go under this range.

2.                 SEER/SEER2 Ratings: 16 to 20 (High Efficiency)

If the range is between 16 to 20 according to the region, it is considered a highly efficient system. For moderate or hot climates, HVACs within this range will serve efficient cooling.

Moreover, it can reduce up to 30 % of energy bills from standard models. Though these models of HVACs come with high upfront costs, they can save long-term costs.

3.                 SEER/SEER2 Ratings: 21+ (Ultra-High Efficiency)

The most energy-efficient HVAC models have a SEER or SEER2 rating which is 21+. It indicates the model has ultra-high efficiency. 

These are best for homes that have high cooling demands. You can use it to experience premium quality and highest efficiency. However, as the efficiency level is highest here, the upfront cost is also highest.

Pick the range that would be a perfect match for your home and budget requirements. Consult an HVAC professional like The Chill Brothers to find the right match for you.

Regional SEER Rating Requirements

According to the US Department of Energy, you must choose an HVAC with the standard SEER or SEER2 ratings. However, this rating has to be according to your specific region. Three regions are specified and have specific SEER ratings for HVACs before 2023 and SEER2 ratings for HVACs after 2023.

Here are the regional ratings your HVAC must have to provide you with efficient cooling:

Benefits of Choosing High SEER/ SEER2 Rated HVACs

By picking an HVAC with a moderate to high-efficiency level, you can ensure many benefits. Here are the key benefits you can get:

• High-SEER systems ensure efficient cooling with low electricity consumption. You can save up to 30% of energy with high-efficiency systems and even more with ultra-high-efficiency systems.
• With moderate to high-efficiency ratings, you can get consistent temperatures, humidity, and airflow. So, it helps to ensure enhanced comfort in the indoor environment.
• High-SEER systems reduce environmental impact and protect the environment by reducing carbon footprints.
• You can get long-term efficiency with such systems. By saving energy bills continuously and providing efficiency, they save costs in the long run.

Remember to check for SEER2 ratings in the HVACs from 2023 and later. Take advice from your HVAC professional to pick the right HVAC according to your requirements, budget, and climate.

Conclusion

It is important to learn about SEER ratings to get an energy-efficient HVAC for your home. This SEER or SEER2 rating measures the energy efficiency of your system during the cooling season. If your system has higher SEER ratings, it will provide you with higher cooling efficiency. 

However, a lower SEER rating will be inefficient. So, pick an HVAC system that has over the standard SEER or SEER2 ratings according to your region. This is how you can ensure indoor comfort and save energy.