You may have heard the term SEER and know that it has to do with your HVAC system, but what does it actually mean? Thankfully, you don’t have to be an air conditioning contractor to understand it or make decisions about it. Here are the basics about this rating.

What SEER Means

SEER is an acronym that stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio.” To put it simply, this is the ratio of the estimated cooling output of the HVAC system in an entire cooling period over the energy used to output it. This ratio is sometimes referred to as a rating, and it measures how efficient your system is. The higher the SEER of an HVAC system, the more efficient it is.

However, this ratio is an estimated maximum efficiency rating of the HVAC system; its actual output and efficiency vary depending on indoor and outdoor conditions. Other variables—like the size of your home—can affect its efficiency too. Think of the rating as you would the miles per gallon on a car; your car may be extremely efficient on the highway but much less so driving in heavy traffic.

Appropriate SEERs for an Air Conditioner

All modern air conditioners must have a minimum SEER of 13. They typically have a rating ranging from 13 to 21. Older ones are typically rated at around 8 or 9. Again, the higher the score, the more efficient the system.

If you live in a relatively hot climate, getting an air conditioner with a SEER of 21 can make you more comfortable than getting one with a rating of 13. This is because units with higher SEERs are usually equipped with two-stage or variable-speed compressors, which means they can run continuously at various capacities. As a result, they can constantly adjust and cool a home evenly throughout the day.

Their lower-rated counterparts, on the other hand, can usually only run at one speed—100% capacity—resulting in them turning off and on depending on the temperature in your home. This can cause hot and cold spots in your home.

If you’re looking for a quality air conditioning contractor and heating expert that’s available 24/7 in the Miami Valley, contact Cowboy’s Heating & Air. Located in Farmersville, OH, this air conditioning contractor caters to both homeowners and businesses. They provide a wide array of services, ranging from ductwork fixes to furnace repairs. For more information, call (937) 604-1541 or visit them online.