What Is a SEER Rating?

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio is a measure of efficiency for air conditioners, heat pumps, and other related products. It’s often referred to as a SEER rating. It was established and standardized by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. It’s still maintained by the AHRI, but the U.S. government established its own SEER standards through the Department of Energy. These standards affect what companies can and can’t sell. For instance, the DOE has mandated 14 as the minimum SEER rating for AC units and heat pumps sold in the southeastern United States.

How Is SEER Measured?

SEER is designed so that the average consumer can use it as a point of comparison without understanding the science and math. In a nutshell, this is a ratio of the total cooling output for a season to the total electricity consumed. For casual explanation, it’s often described as being comparable to the miles per gallon rating of a vehicle.

What Is a Good SEER Rating?

The minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is 14, but as mentioned earlier, that minimum can depend on where you live. The maximum has generally been 21, but we’ve started to see air conditioners with a 22 SEER rating enter the marketplace. A higher rating indicates a more efficient AC, but air conditioners with higher ratings cost more. Obviously, you want the best SEER rating you can comfortably afford. That can be determined in consultation with your AC specialist by factoring in your home, climate, budget, and so forth.

Learn More About SEER

Founded in 2000, Sutton Brothers in Kernersville performs AC installations for homeowners throughout the Piedmont Triad. We have experts who understand SEER as it applies to air conditioners and heat pumps. We perform a full range of heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance. If you opt for a new AC, we have financing available on approved credit. In addition to HVAC expertise, we also provide a full range of plumbing services. Contact us today to schedule an on-site consultation to discuss SEER in general and your needs in particular.