Understanding What a Seer Rating Means Will Help in Choosing a System

If you’ve been in the market for a new cooling system in recent years, you’ve probably seen references to a unit’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER. Understanding more about this efficiency can help you cool your house as effectively as possible.

A unit’s SEER rating is calculated by dividing the amount of cooling supplied by a unit (in BTUs) by the amount of energy used to produce it under a specific set of weather conditions. The conditions the unit is tested under are mandated by the U.S. Department of Energy, so you can compare the ratings of units made by different manufacturers and have a clear picture of how that unit will perform.

Consumers shouldn’t rely solely on the SEER ratings of a particular unit, however, as there are other factors you’ll want to consider.

The federal government currently mandates that all new centralized cooling installations have a minimum SEER of 13, but more efficient equipment is available. The higher the SEER ratings, the better. In many cases, upgrading your equipment to more efficient units can qualify you for tax credits.

While the government mandates the conditions equipment is tested on in the lab, real-world operation is obviously a little more chaotic. Selecting the right professional to install your new cooling unit can be just as important as which unit you have selected. An improperly installed unit won’t operate as efficiently as one that’s been properly calibrated.

For more information on SEER ratings or to make sure you’re getting as much bang for your buck as possible out of your new heat pump or air conditioner in the Long Island area, consult the experienced pros at T.F O’Brien Cooling and Heating. In business since 1934, we know how to make sure your home is being heated and cooled as efficiently as possible.

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