What Is SEER?

When the temperature goes up, it’s nice to escape the heat in your air conditioned home. What’s not so nice are those expensive electricity bills. If you’re sick of spending a fortune just to stay comfortable in the summer, it might be because of your AC’s SEER.

What is SEER?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rating is used to measure your unit’s efficiency at producing cool air. The SEER is calculated by dividing the amount of cool air produced by the amount of electricity used. The more efficient the unit, the higher the score will be.

Generally, old systems will have a SEER of 10 or lower, meaning it takes a lot of energy to keep you cool. Today, all residential systems are required by U.S. law to have at least a SEER of 13, however, you can buy systems with ratings as high as 23.

Why is SEER Important?

If your system was manufactured before 2005, there is a very good chance it could have a SEER as low as a six. Upgrading to a unit with a SEER of 13 would reduce your electricity usage by 49 percent. That is almost half of your AC bill gone. An AC with a SEER of 10 or below could cost up to $15,000 to operate in its lifetime, so just imagine how much money upgrading will save you.

Higher SEER is not just better for your wallet but the environment. SEER below 13 has been banned because of the number of greenhouse gasses they admit. An older model will produce anywhere from 150,000 to 250,000 pounds of greenhouse gases in its lifetime. Switching to an AC with a higher SEER can cut those numbers in half.

What SEER Do I Need?

While your system is not required to have more than a SEER of 13, you might want an AC with a higher rating. Your AC is one of the most used and important appliances in your home.