So, you’ve decided to upgrade your HVAC system but are unsure of what you’re comparing when it comes to energy efficiency ratings? You’ve come to the right place! We understand that this is a little confusing for those unfamiliar with this industry. Below we’ve laid it out in more simple terms to make this process a little less overwhelming for you.
What do all these ratings mean?
SEER – This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Think of it like a math equation because, that is essentially what it is. Divide cooling output by electricity usage and you get the SEER rating. Or more specifically, electrical input needed to run the system to the amount of cooling it generates. The higher the SEER rating, the better. You can cut down on power consumption by upgrading to a unit with a higher SEER rating.
EER – You guessed it, it stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio! This evaluates the operating efficiency of the unit. Divide output cooling energy by input electrical energy to get the EER rating of a unit. SEER and EER are displayed on new units.
You must maintain your unit after installation to maintain these ratings. Regular maintenance and filters changes are imperative to maintaining efficiency.
Energy Star – A rating created by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). It’s simply the energy efficiency rating of a product. A neutral 3rd party tests the system to ensure it meets a particular set of requirements.
Find out what those requirements are by visiting Energy Star.
Conclusion
When shopping for your new unit, of course you want to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. This guide should help you be able to accomplish just that. As one would expect, the higher the SEER rating, the higher the cost of the equipment. Be sure to keep in mind that you’ll save money in the long run by getting a higher SEER unit.
Each situation is different, so weigh your options, do your research and talk with your comfort consultant about what SEER rating may suit you best.
Have questions? Give us a call at 770-672-6963. We’ll be happy to help you!
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