The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry observes various measurements and standards for systems. When it comes to heating, for example, the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is the standard for furnaces. If you have a heat pump, you’ll want to know its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). For cooling, there’s the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) standard.
At Advanced Comfort Solutions, our technicians take time to explain SEER to commercial and residential clients. By understanding SEER, you can make the right decisions to enjoy optimal comfort while maximizing energy efficiency.
Understanding SEER Ratings
As its name indicates, SEER measures the efficiency of cooling systems. It is commonly expressed as an equipment rating. Essentially, SEER ratings indicate how efficiently a cooling unit uses energy over a typical year. These ratings directly correlate to the annual energy costs for your home or business in Cheyenne.
SEER is calculated by dividing the total cooling output over an average season by the total energy consumed. Higher SEER ratings indicate a more energy-efficient unit. This translates into lower energy costs over a year. The calculation tells you that less energy consumed for cooling results in higher SEER ratings, which invariably assume the maximum efficiency.
The calculation takes the BTU per hour multiplied by the HVAC hours per day and the days in a season. The cooling days in Cheyenne are those with average temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. These days usually run from early June to late August and sometimes early September. On average, there are eight to 12 cooling hours per day.
An easy way to understand SEER is to think about automotive fuel efficiency, also known as fuel economy. You get more miles per gallon from a compact car than a full-size SUV. In the HVAC context, units with higher SEER ratings provide more BTUs for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. If you drive a car that gets better gas mileage, you spend less on fuel. This is fuel economy. Likewise, an HVAC system with higher SEER ratings will reduce your electricity bills for cooling. This is energy efficiency.
You still need to consider other HVAC factors such as ductwork, insulation, installation, use of smart thermostats, and weatherstripping. Nonetheless, energy efficiency for cooling begins with the SEER ratings of the HVAC equipment.
Understanding the New SEER2 Ratings
Climate change and energy efficiency trends prompted the U.S. Energy Information Administration to switch to a new SEER standard in 2023. SEER2 is an update to the original ratings from 1992. The minimum standards were set in 2015, and the new SEER2 ratings set higher levels of energy conservation.
With SEER2, American households will collectively save up to $12 billion on energy costs by 2053. This estimate by the Environmental Protection Agency takes into account the new calculation methodology. Although higher ratings will continue to reflect more efficient cooling, the values will be lower. A low 14 SEER rating, for example, will be around 13.4 to 14.3 with the new SEER2 standard. The range is still 13 to 30.
One of the SEER2 changes worth noting is the external static pressure testing methodology. The new test has been improved to better simulate airflow resistance in the ductwork. The testing standards are more in line with real-world conditions instead of laboratory settings. Another SEER2 aspect is the load capacity, which has been increased. Higher loads explain the lower values of the new ratings, but they are more accurate and realistic.
It is important to note that SEER2 ratings have regional factors. To this effect, the Department of Energy divided American households into three regions: North, Southeast, and Southwest. They are known as SEER2 divisions, and they are based on the cooling needs of regional climates. Whereas the previous SEER was a “one-size-fits-all” standard, SEER2 ratings reflect actual energy in specific climate zones. Cheyenne is in the North division, so the SEER2 calculation reflects less intense cooling demands compared to the other divisions.
Advanced Comfort Solutions offers many residential and commercial HVAC solutions. We train our technicians on a wide range of HVAC system brands and models. Our services include repairs, maintenance, installations, and upgrades for all heating and cooling systems. Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, air handler, mini-split, or central HVAC system, we can service it. We even manage a sheet metal fabrication shop to deliver affordable custom ductwork solutions. Ask us about our Comfort Membership maintenance plan!
To learn more about SEER ratings and how they can save you money, contact Advanced Comfort Solutions in Cheyenne today.
