The key to keeping your energy bills down while remaining comfortable in the summer heat is an energy-efficient air conditioner. There are a wide range of efficiencies available. To compare the efficiency of different air conditioners you will want to know and understand their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).
Guide to SEER ratings
An air conditioner’s SEER is determined through measurements done in laboratory tests meant to simulate its operation through the cooling season. It is the ratio of the cooling it provides to the energy it consumes. This means that a 20 SEER air conditioner would offer twice as much cooling as a 10 SEER air conditioner for a given amount of energy usage. Since 2006, it has been required that newly manufactured air conditioners achieve a minimum SEER of 13. Currently, the most efficient units available offer SEER ratings in the mid-20s.
Because SEER is determined in an ideal laboratory setting, seeing that efficiency in your home depends on your air conditioner being operated in similar conditions. There are a few factors you should pay attention to in order to achieve the maximum SEER from your air conditioner:
- Refrigerant charge: Air conditioners need to be installed with a specific refrigerant charge to ensure efficient operation.
- Airflow: Similarly, there needs to be a certain amount of airflow across the evaporation coils. The airflow resistance present in the ductwork needs to be minimized by changing air filters when they are dirty and having duct cleaning performed if dust or debris builds up to the point that it affects airflow.
- Sizing: Air conditioners perform inefficiently if they cycle on and off quickly as is the case with over-sized air conditioners. The SEER ratings assume that the air conditioner will be used in an appropriately sized house and experience decent run times.
Because it includes checks of the refrigerant charge and airflow, regular professional maintenance can help ensure that your air conditioner is performing up to its SEER. If you want a further guide to SEER ratings, contact the experts at James Lane. We provide HVAC and plumbing services to Wichita Falls, Vernon, Burkburnett, Graham, Iowa Park and Olney.
