What is a SEER Rating?

A common term used in the heating and air conditioning world is SEER rating.  SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.  For a homeowner looking to invest in a new system, the SEER rating of an air conditioning system would be comparable to the Miles Per Gallon to rate a vehicle.  A vehicle that gets 23 MPG would be considered much more efficient than a vehicle that only gets 13 MPG.

Simply put, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the equipment is and the less it will cost to operate.  All residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a minimum SEER rating of 13 and Energy Star qualified systems must have a SEER rating of at least 14.   SEER ratings of up to 20 are available and are achieved by the development of newer and better technology, resulting in a higher initial investment for the homeowner but will significantly lower monthly heating and cooling expenses.

The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the Btu’s per hour (the amount of cooling supplied by the air conditioner) by the watts (or the power) used by the unit under a set of specific seasonal guidelines.  This calculation is performed in a laboratory under the exact environmental conditions required by the US Department of Energy which allows for a rating that can be used to measure equipment efficiency from different manufacturers.

It is important to remember that only the performance of the evaporator equipment and condenser are rated using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  However, the installation of a complete heating and cooling system requires many additional procedures, parts, and materials.  There are many factors that can effect a system’s operational SEER rating.  The following field mistakes can cause equipment to operate lower than its rated SEER:

• improperly sized or designed duct system
• duct system that is not sealed
• improperly sized copper tubing
• incorrect refrigerant pressures
• improperly matched air handler and condenser

It is important to choose a reputable HVAC contractor that will design a system for your needs and install the system according the the manufacturer standards to ensure proper SEER rating and proper air flow.  A contractor should be able to provide you with an ARI Certificate from the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute that will confirm the SEER rating of a specific air handler model installed with a specific condenser model.

Programmable Thermostats Save Money

According to Energy Star, the average household spends about $2,000 annually on utility bills.  Almost half of this amount comes from heating and cooling your home.  Installing a programmable thermostat is an inexpensive and simple way to save money on your heating and cooling expense.  On average a properly installed programmable thermostat can save you $180 per year.

The key to a programmable thermostat is to maintain specific temperature settings according to your family’s schedule that allow for savings without sacrificing comfort.  A heating and cooling specialist can help you establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you are not at home and do not need as much heating or cooling.  Example schedules include:

7 day - provides a schedule that is similar every day of the week

5+2 day - provides a setting for weekdays and another for weekends

5-1-1 day - one schedule for weekdays, and one for Saturdays and Sundays

These automatic settings not only help eliminate unneccessary heating and cooling, but are also very convenient.  Imagine your home’s temperature automatically adjusting to your liking before you go to bed at night and then again before you return home from school or work.  When you are away, the temperature will adjust to reduce the amount of heating or cooling to save energy.  A couple of things to remember:

1. Properly setting your thermostat is the key to energy savings - programmable thermostats have many complex settings and features, maximize its potential by allowing  a professional to set your thermostat properly.
2. Make sure your thermostat is installed properly by a professional to ensure accurate settings and saving potential - when installing a programmable thermostat, there are proper guidelines to consider for safety and proper operation.  It is best to contact an HVAC professional to install your thermostat.
3. Choose the right thermostat for you and your family - there are many types of programmable thermostats, talk to your heating and cooling professional for advice on which model is for you.