Understanding SEER Rating - Make an Informed Decision
Measuring the Annual Operating Costs (SEER) of an Air Conditioning
or Heat Pump Replacement
SEER is a term you will hear a lot about as you shop for a new air conditioning system. The average air conditioning contractor has a basic grasp of SEER but surprisingly few can tell you how it is measured.
So in a nutshell here is what SEER means:
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a standardized measure used by the federal government and the industry to compare the energy consumption of one air conditioning system to another, very similar to gas mileage ratings for automobiles.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system is and the less energy it consumes. SEER rating is determined by dividing the system capacity by its energy usage measured in wattage. The system capacity is determined by its production of cooling measured in Btu's, or British Thermal Units.
A ton of cooling is 12,000 Btu's. Two tons is 24,000 and so forth. If the manufacturer of a given 2 ton system determines that the system consumes 2400 watts of electricity the SEER standard will rate that system at 10 SEER.
Here's why:
You divide the system capacity (two tons is 24,000 Btu's) by it energy consumption (2400 watts), so 24,000 divided by 2400 = 10 (SEER)
If a four ton system (48,000 Btu's) consumes 3000 watts, it is said to be a 16 SEER:
48,000 divided by 3000 watts = 16 (SEER).
As an aside, the term "ton" became associated with air conditioning back in the early part of the 20th century. Blocks of ice and a fan were commonly used to cool in desperate situations such as in hopitals. It was determined that a one ton block of ice produced 12,000 Btu's of cooling per hour so that became the standard still used to this day.
So what SEER rating is right for you?
The only way for you to know is to understand how SEER will affect your wallet.
Let's use an example 3 ton system as that is a very common size here in [city]. If you are offered the option between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER, the 16 SEER will almost always carry a higher price tag.
But is it worth the difference?
As you can see in the chart above, a 3 ton 14 SEER system will cost you, on average, $860 to operate on an annual basis. The same 3 ton, 16 SEER will cost you $760, or $100 less each year. Let's assume the price of the 16 SEER system is $500 more than the 14 SEER and the ONLY difference in the 2 systems is the SEER rating.
That means the extra $500 will take about 5 years to recoup. So if this is the only difference between the 2 systems, then you can make a logical choice as to your preference.
Of course, there is a catch...
Manufacturer's know that to entice you into buying the higher SEER systems, they need to offer additional benefits beyond just energy savings. Higher SEER heat pump and air conditioning systems are typically able to remove up to 4X as much humidity than standard systems, a huge benefit in humid climates such as [city].
So be sure you understand ALL of the benefits (if any) that the higher SEER rating system may offer before you make your decision. Also, for some strange reason, contractors many times fail to mention utility rebates that are offered by utility providers as an enticement to homeowners to consider more energy efficient, high SEER rating air conditioning systems.
The utility rebates vary greatly but can be very substantial in some areas, so be sure to inquire.
But is it worth the difference?
As you can see in the chart above, a 3 ton 14 SEER system will cost you, on average, $860 to operate on an annual basis. The same 3 ton, 16 SEER will cost you $760, or $100 less each year. Let's assume the price of the 16 SEER system is $500 more than the 14 SEER and the ONLY difference in the 2 systems is the SEER rating.
That means the extra $500 will take about 5 years to recoup. So if this is the only difference between the 2 systems, then you can make a logical choice as to your preference.
Of course, there is a catch...
Manufacturer's know that to entice you into buying the higher SEER systems, they need to offer additional benefits beyond just energy savings. Higher SEER heat pump and air conditioning systems are typically able to remove up to 4X as much humidity than standard systems, a huge benefit in humid climates such as [city].
So be sure you understand ALL of the benefits (if any) that the higher SEER rating system may offer before you make your decision. Also, for some strange reason, contractors many times fail to mention utility rebates that are offered by utility providers as an enticement to homeowners to consider more energy efficient, high SEER rating air conditioning systems.
The utility rebates vary greatly but can be very substantial in some areas, so be sure to inquire.
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407-901-1784
407-901-1784
[Name] services the central air conditioning and heat pump replacement needs of all Central Florida including Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Oviedo, Apopka, Deltona, Doctor Phillips, Hunter's Creek, Lake Mary, Maitland, Ocoee, Orange City, Poinciana, St. Cloud, Winter Garden, and Winter Springs
