Take your SEER to a whole new level and save

HVAC Efficiency Rating

Take your SEER to a whole new level and save

Take your SEER to a whole new level and save 1080 720 Chinook

The HVAC efficiency rating system is computed using a very simple formula; but thankfully, for the consumer, it’s even easier, no formula needed if you remember this fact….you ready?

THE HIGHER THE “SEER” THE BETTER

Pretty cool, (no pun intended), huh? That’s right, the higher the SEER rating of a unit the higher the HVAC efficiency rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.

What is the HVAC efficiency rating formula?

Okay, I know some of my math and science people out there want to know, what is the HVAC efficiency rating formula. The SEER rating of a unit is the cooling output during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input during the same period and the formula is…

  1. Find BTUs per hour of your air conditioner
  2. Find the number of watts per hour your air conditioner uses
  3. Calculate BTUs use in summer months. Most use 1000 which equals 125 days for 4 months
  4. Calculate watts-hours used in summer by multiplying number from step 2 by 1000
  5. Divide the result of step 3 by the watts-hours consumed in summer (result of step 4) and you will have the SEER rating.

For those of us not wanting to deal with this formula, just remember the first fact shared: “The higher the “SEER” the better.”

HVAC efficiency rating and the Department of Energy Standards

The Department of Energy standards for SEER as of 2015 were: 14 for southern states and 13 for northern states as minimums. You can check out HVAC efficiency ratings and more at the Energy.gov site.

How do I find out what HVAC efficiency rating is best for me?

Being an informed consumer is where it all starts, reading article like this, following the links and knowing what the Department of Energy standards are for HVAC efficiency ratings. Fortunately, if you live in the Kennewick area, after you’ve done your research, if you still have questions, you have my friends at Chinook to help. They love to talk SEERs and EERs and all kinds of other great acronyms. Give Chinook Heating and Air Conditioning a call at 509.736.1211. They’ll help you take your SEER to a whole new level.