SEER- (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is
the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air
conditioners and heat pumps is rated. The higher the SEER number,
the greater the efficiency, which translates into greater energy
savings. Today, U.S. regulatory agencies require all new models to
have a 10.0 SEER rating or better. Some older units may have SEER
ratings as low as 6.
The SEER of a system is determined by
multiplying the steady state energy efficiency ratio (EER)
measured at conditions of 82°F outdoor temperature, 80°F dB/ 67°F
wb indoor entering air temperature by the Part Load Factor (PLF)
of the system.
SEER is a simple method to determine how much
energy an appliance will use. Similar to MPG rating on cars, these
values have a direct relationship to how much it will cost to
operate your system.
To simplify this matter, consider an Air
Conditioner with a 12 SEER is approximately 20% more efficient
than the minimum standard of 10 SEER and a 14 SEER would be up to
40% more efficient.
S.E.E.R.
Explained 