Understanding the SEER Rating
When it comes to selecting the right air conditioning system for your home or office, efficiency is a key factor to consider. Not only does it impact your monthly energy bills, but it also contributes to environmental sustainability. If you’ve spent any time at all researching new air conditioning systems, you’ve seen the term “SEER rating.” So, you ask yourself, what does this mean, why is it so important and how does this help my energy bill?
One important metric used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning systems is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). SEER is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner uses electricity to cool your space over an entire cooling season. A higher SEER rating indicates a more efficient unit, meaning it uses less energy to achieve the same cooling capacity.
14 SEER or 20 SEER: What’s the Difference?
Comparing Seer Ratings
So, you've heard the terms "14 SEER" and "20 SEER" floating around when shopping for a new air conditioner. But what do they mean, and which one is right for you? Let's break it down.
A Specific Example
If you are running an older 10 SEER, 5-ton model and it is operating at good-to-peak efficiency, your yearly cost of operation will be approximately $1,316.00 per year. Replacing this unit with a 20 SEER-rated system can bring that cost down by as much as 50% or $658.00 per year (SEER Savings, 2019). However, if you are weighing out the energy savings of a 14 SEER ($940 per year) compared to the same 20 SEER unit ($658 per year), you should expect the difference in savings to be lower over the next 15 years, because a 14 SEER can give you substantial savings as well.
So, why would you consider the higher SEER rating? If comfort is one of the main concerns with your current system, then a higher SEER rating would be preferable because a higher SEER means more comfort. The higher efficiency systems (17 or higher) typically come with a two-stage compressor and a variable-speed blower fan.
How Do These Changes Make a Difference in Efficiency and Comfort?
The standard 14 SEER system is either on or off. This means the fan and compressor are running at high speed the entire time it’s cooling your home. The two-stage compressor runs at two speeds, low and high. When the system comes on it automatically starts in low gear and runs very efficiently until it can’t keep up with the load. It then shifts into high gear until the temperature stabilizes, then downshifts to the more energy-efficient speed. The same goes for the blower fan as well. The lower speeds can meet your cooling needs about 80% of the time, which means it will run more often. The benefits of this operation are twofold: fewer hot/cold spots and less humidity.
The longer run-time allows for better mixing of existing air and conditioned air, creating a more even temperature throughout the house. This longer run-time also allows for more water/humidity to be removed from the air, making your home more comfortable. In South Louisiana, this is a big plus.
I know what you’re thinking: If the compressor runs longer, won’t that make my bill higher, not lower? Think of it this way: Your car gets better gas mileage on long-distance trips than it does in stop-and-go traffic in town. The same goes for your compressor. Starting the compressor takes a greater amount of energy than running at a constant speed. And, keep in mind, the lower speed of the two-stage compressor takes much less energy to run than the standard AC unit.
Environmental Impact of SEER Ratings
Choosing an air conditioning system with a high SEER rating can have a significant positive impact on the environment. Here's a breakdown of the environmental benefits associated with higher SEER ratings:
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Air conditioners consume electricity, which is often generated from fossil fuels. A higher SEER rating means the unit uses less energy, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Conserved energy resources: By using less energy, higher SEER air conditioners help conserve valuable energy resources. This can reduce the strain on power grids and decrease the need for new power plants.
- Improved air quality: Air conditioning systems can contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. Higher SEER units use less energy, reducing the overall emissions from power plants. This can lead to improved air quality and fewer health problems.
- Reduced water consumption: Some air conditioning systems use water for cooling. A higher SEER rating often means the unit is more efficient, reducing the amount of water needed for operation.
Need More AC Advice? Contact Bitter Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Still unsure which SEER rating is right for you? Our team of experienced HVAC professionals at Bitter Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is here to help. We can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and budget. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency. Call us, we are ready to help: (225) 500-2035. You can also contact us online by filling out a contact form here.
Works Cited
SEER Savings, I. (2019). SEER Energy Savings. Retrieved from SEER Savings: https://www.seerenergysavings.com/