Are you out to purchase an HVAC system but heard terms like SEER and EER? Chances are you hadn’t heard about them before then. If you’re still in the dark regarding SEER and EER, then you are at the right place. This article includes all that you must know about energy efficiency ratios. Have you ever been a victim of a heatwave? Then you are likely looking towards installing an air conditioner. However, there are several things that you must consider before doing so, and one of them is the energy efficiency of the unit. The SEER and EER ratings determine how your heating and air conditioning systems are energy efficient.
You’ll get a high monthly energy utility bill if a unit isn’t energy efficient. Hence, a system with high energy efficiency has lower operating costs than that with lower efficiency. Energy efficiency is also directly related to the functioning of your HVAC system. For instance, a malfunctioning system will most likely use more energy than those that are properly functioning. Hence, routine maintenance by a heating and AC repair technician is required to ensure the unit remains functional with the right energy efficiency. EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) are among the most commonly used metrics that denote the efficiency within your HVAC system.
What Is EER?
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), also called Energy Efficiency Rating, is a measure used in the HVAC industry to determine the cooling power a heating and air conditioning system provides for a particular amount of supplied electrical energy. As you might have correctly guessed, given its name, it is a ratio between the energy output (in terms of cooling) and the input energy (the electrical power consumed by the unit to produce and distribute the cold air. The cooling output of an HVAC system is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). On the other hand, the electricity input is measured in Watt Hours. A nifty formula is used for the calculation though we’ll leave that to the heating and AC repair technicians.
So, how is EER computed? Take this hypothetical case. Let’s say you have a 12,000 BTU air conditioner that uses 1,200-Watt hours of power every day. Simply dividing the British Thermal Units by the Watt-hours yields an EER of 10 for the system. A greater Energy Efficiency Ratio indicates that the HVAC system has more energy efficiency.
This translates into cheaper utility bills without sacrificing comfort, as you may have probably surmised by this point. The “Energy Guide” marking on one side of the air conditioner is where you’ll typically find the EER. When purchasing a new AC unit, be sure to take it into account. Efficient functioning means you’ll also not have to keep calling a heating and AC repair technician in Mansfield, TX for frequent repairs and will pay less in energy utility bills.
What Is SEER?
Much like the Energy Efficiency ratio, this SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the ratio between an HVAC unit’s cooling output to the electrical power input. However, the two are different because the SEER is calculated over the entire cooling season. SEER is computed using a constant indoor temperature throughout the season when the outdoor temperatures range between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It simulates the seasonal temperature effects of the summer and ensures that the efficiency rating is averaged over the entire season.
On the other hand, the EER of an air conditioner is determined at a given outdoor and indoor temperature. Therefore, rather than providing a comprehensive picture of electrical energy savings over a longer time, the EER provides more of a fast snapshot of the air conditioner’s efficiency. EER is estimated with an outdoor temperature of 95 °F and an interior temperature of 80 °F with a relative humidity of 50%. Hence, when purchasing an HVAC system, ensure it has high EER and SEER ratings. You can consult your reliable heating and AC repair technicians to learn more about the energy efficiency of the unit you’re about to purchase.
Importance of a High EER/SEER Rated HVAC
After looking at EER and SEER, how do you benefit from having a heating and AC repair technician install an HVAC system with high ratings? Does an HVAC unit with a high SEER or EER matter? Does it help you in any way? Below are some of the benefits of installing a unit having a high Energy Efficiency Ratio and SEER:
Noticeable Energy Savings
Higher EER or SEER means that your heating and air conditioning system will use less electrical energy to cool your home. Hence, you’ll pay less in energy utility bills, saving you a fortune. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficiency. However, if you notice that your high EER/SEER unit has started using more electrical power, that is a sign of an underlying problem, and you need heating and AC repair.
Better Cooling
A heating and air conditioning system having a high SEER rating incorporates better technologies. Hence, the HVAC system will have better features that translate to better cooling power, albeit at a lower cost. Do you want a unit that cools your Mansfield, TX home at a low operational cost? Then have a heating and AC repair technician install a high EER HVAC system at your home.
Lower Lifecycle Cost
As was previously mentioned, higher upfront costs for high EER/SEER air conditioners are compensated by reduced operational costs throughout the air conditioner’s lifespan. A newer, more advanced air conditioner would use superior technologies and be less likely to experience catastrophic failures, meaning that you won’t need frequent heating and AC repairs.
An HVAC system having high EER or SEER ratings is extremely beneficial for your home. Do you want an energy-efficient unit installed at your Mansfield, TX home? Contact our able heating and AC repair technicians at Minuteman Heating & Air.