What Does Seer Mean

What Does SEER Stand For?

SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio”.  Put simply, the less energy used, the higher the SEER rating. The higher the rating, the greater the efficiency of your AC unit.

The minimum SEER rating for air conditioners begins at 13 SEER, and can reach up to 24 SEER. Understanding your system’s rating can be broken down further for better understanding:

Basic SEER 13-15: These are usually single-stage AC units. In order to be efficient, they must run on their highest setting most of the time. This means that they are probably louder than others, and may create “cold spots” in your home. It’s still a basic air conditioner, but it simply doesn’t perform to the level of a higher ranked model.

Better SEER 16-19: These models are designed to run at 65 percent capacity. This means they aren’t working quite as hard to create the same results. They are often quieter and use less energy. They cool the home evenly and are effective dehumidifiers too.

Best SEER 20-24: The best performing units are sometimes referred to as variable-capacity central air conditioning. These units can function automatically between 25 percent and 100 percent capacity to create the results you want. They are the quietest, most efficient, and best at creating a balanced temperature in your home.

Often, for AC units of higher ratings, homeowners can seek out a return on the investment put into buying a more expensive unit. Depending on the particular unit, homeowners can be eligible to receive tax credits and manufacturer rebates when purchasing a new air conditioning system.