What is S.E.E.R.?

What is S.E.E.R.?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, a measurement of how much cooling an air conditioner produces over a typical cooling season compared to the electricity it uses. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently the unit converts energy into cooling, which translates into lower operating costs over the life of the system.

How the Rating Is Calculated

SEER is calculated by dividing a system's total cooling output over a season, measured in BTUs, by the total energy it consumes over that same period, measured in watt-hours. Because it accounts for a full season of varying temperatures rather than a single moment, SEER gives a more realistic picture of real-world performance than a snapshot efficiency test would. You'll sometimes see SEER listed alongside EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures performance at one specific outdoor temperature — SEER remains the better number for estimating what a system will actually cost to run over a full year.

What Rating Should You Look For?

Minimum SEER requirements are set federally and manufacturers offer models well above that minimum for homeowners who want lower long-term utility costs. A few things to weigh when comparing ratings:

• Higher-SEER units typically cost more upfront but less to run month to month
• In a hot climate like Arizona's, a system runs more hours per year, so efficiency gains add up faster than they would elsewhere
• The right SEER rating depends on your home's size, insulation, and budget — more isn't automatically the right call for every household
• A high SEER rating only pays off if the system is installed and charged correctly, since poor installation can erase efficiency gains on paper

LJ Refrigeration Co. installs Energy Star-rated, high-SEER equipment and can help you weigh upfront cost against long-term savings for your home.