1. What is SEER Rating?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of air conditioner or heat pump cooling efficiency. It represents the ratio of cooling output over a typical cooling season divided by the energy used in watt-hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the SEER formula:

Where:

• Total Cooling Output — Measured in British Thermal Units (BTU)
• Total Energy Input — Measured in Watt-hours

Explanation: Higher SEER ratings indicate more efficient air conditioning systems that use less energy to provide the same cooling output.

3. Importance of SEER Rating

Details: SEER ratings help consumers compare energy efficiency between different air conditioning units. Higher SEER units typically cost more initially but can save money through lower energy bills over time.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total cooling output in BTU and total energy input in watt-hours. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good SEER rating?
A: As of 2023, the minimum SEER rating is 14-15 in most regions, with high-efficiency units reaching 20-26 SEER.

Q2: How does SEER differ from EER?
A: SEER measures seasonal efficiency under varying conditions, while EER measures efficiency at one specific operating condition (95°F).

Q3: Can SEER be calculated for a single day?
A: While possible, SEER is designed to reflect performance over an entire cooling season with varying temperatures.

Q4: Does higher SEER always mean better?
A: While higher SEER means better efficiency, the cost premium may not be justified in mild climates with short cooling seasons.

Q5: How much can I save with a higher SEER unit?
A: Each SEER point above baseline (typically 13-14) can save about 5-7% on cooling costs, though actual savings depend on climate and usage.