Just as we measure a car’s fuel efficiency by assessing its MPG, so too do we measure the efficiency of our air conditioning systems. Though instead of calculating gas usage in relation to mileage, we use another standard to measure an AC unit’s efficiency - it’s called a SEER rating (or EER rating).
There are two standards by which AC efficiency is measured: an EER rating and a SEER rating.
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s calculated by dividing the unit’s BTU rating by the wattage. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. Important to note is that EER is a calculation of a unit’s efficiency during the peak cooling period of an area only. An EER would be measured during the hottest time of the year to see how it performs under peak conditions.
SEER, on the other hand, stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The “S” in SEER is a noteworthy difference between the two measurement standards. To determine an air conditioning unit’s SEER rating, the unit’s efficiency is measured over the course of an entire cooling season, not just the peak period.
For example, here in Hudson, we run our ACs during the shoulder seasons as well as during the peak of summer. A SEER rating accounts for these ranges in temperatures and humidity levels that we experience throughout a year to give a well-rounded calculation of efficiency.
The standards for SEER ratings have recently changed. Effective this year, air conditioners and heat pumps in Florida must now have a minimum SEER rating of 15 (previously it was 14). Compliance for southern states is determined by the installation date. It does not affect existing appliances, but it will be enforced for all new AC unit installs.
Improvements in technology have enabled us to manufacture increasingly more efficient HVAC units, and this can be beneficial to your home and budget. Not only will you enjoy a cool home, but your monthly energy bills will also decrease with a more energy-efficient system.
If you have questions about air conditioners and HVAC systems in Florida, just give us a call at Mario’s Air Conditioning & Heating. You can reach us at 727-843-9598. We help homes and businesses throughout the Hudson, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs areas and beyond with all of their cooling and heating needs.