What is this thing called SEER
A rating on comfort equipment is similar to the miles per gallon rating on your car. The higher the rating number, the more efficient the system and the lower your fuel consumption will be.
You can save a lot of money with a high efficiency unit, as shown in the attached chart. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the amount of cooling your equipment delivers per every dollar spent on electricity. SEER applies to air conditioners and heat pumps. In the past, a unit with a SEER of 8.00 was considered standard efficiency, and a unit with a 10.00 SEER was considered high efficiency. After January 1, 2006 the minimum SEER required by the DOE is 13.00 and 18.00+ SEER is considered high efficiency.
To use the chart you need to calculate your annual cooling dollars. Your typical cooling dollars can be calculated by taking the difference between your lowest monthly electric bill and your remaining monthly bills. Add the months together to determine your annual cooling costs. Then go across the row closest to your annual cooling dollars to determine your approximate savings or calculate by multiplying the percentage of savings.
Of course, your potential energy savings depends on your personal lifestyle, system settings, equipment maintenance, duct system and actual construction of your home.
A home’s comfort system consists of two components: the outdoor unit (air conditioner or heat pump) and the indoor unit (coil or blower coil). In order to get the listed efficiency ratings both components require matching. Combinations of various units, as well as currently installed equipment such as the air handler, will result in vastly different efficiency ratings.
Please remember that there is more to buying a heat pump or air conditioner than ratings. The quality of construction and materials used as well as the reliability of the manufacturer and installing contractor can all affect your long-term satisfaction and comfort. Top quality, high efficiency equipment will cost more initially, but it will save you money on utility bills and service calls for years to come. Be sure to weigh all the factors before choosing your new system.