An exciting aspect of upgrading your home HVAC is the many advancements in energy efficiency. Modern systems use less energy and lower your long-term costs. One indicator of how much you can save is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).
SEER and Cooling Performance
The industry uses SEER to measure the energy efficiency of cooling systems. That includes central air conditioners (ACs), geothermal and air-source heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. The higher the SEER value, the more efficient the cooling. More efficient cooling results in a smaller carbon footprint and lower electricity costs.
Assessing Efficiency Over a Cooling Season
Another measure that the industry uses is the energy efficiency ratio (EER). The key difference here is the seasonal factor. EER measures cooling efficiency at peak performance. SEER measures cooling efficiency over an average cooling season. This is much more informative for the consumer. It lets them compare ACs and have an accurate idea about which system will be cheaper to operate.
Energy Guide Label
In the U.S., all HVAC equipment and many other consumer appliances must have an Energy Guide label. It’s a large, yellow sticker you’ll find somewhere on the unit itself and perhaps its packaging. That label will include SEER ratings whenever applicable. It will also include many other details that are useful to consumers who are making buying decisions. If shopping online, you can usually find the label on manufacturers’ and retailers’ websites.
SEER2 Rating
A SEER rating is the result of tests performed in a laboratory setting. The conditions are an outdoor temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity (RH) of 39%. The target is an indoor temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a RH of 50%. The ratio is the cooling output of the system divided by the energy consumed to maintain that setting over a period of time.
One problem with the SEER rating is that it doesn’t account for static air pressure. Many homes have central ACs with ducts that leak air. SEER2 is a newer version of the rating scale that accounts for this issue. If shopping for a ductless AC, you can use either SEER or SEER2, but you can’t cross-compare them. If shopping for a central AC or heat pump, use SEER2. Eventually, the concept of SEER2 will go away, and all SEER ratings will reflect the new approach.
Department of Energy
The Department of Energy (DOE) governs the use of SEER ratings in the U.S. A core DOE role is setting SEER and SEER2 minimums that manufacturers are legally obligated to fulfill. The DOE organizes the U.S. into three regions for this purpose: North, Southeast, and Southwest. Nebraska is in the North region. The minimum SEER for ACs and heat pumps in the North is 14.0 and 15.0, respectively. The minimum SEER2 is 13.4 and 14.3, respectively.
Environmental Protection Agency and ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the DOE and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets even higher energy-efficiency standards than the DOE. They are not legal requirements, but products that meet 15.2 SEER2 in this case, earn ENERGY STAR certification. That label on a product gives consumers peace of mind in their buying decisions.
Energy Incentives
Energy incentives can help you lower your initial investment, and ENERGY STAR certification is a criterion for most of them. There is a nonrefundable credit you can claim on your taxes. You may also be able to claim one or more rebates. There are rebates available through manufacturers, utility companies, and government agencies at both the state and federal levels.
Is a High-SEER System Worth It?
A higher SEER is always worth it from an environmental standpoint. Whether it’s worth it for the average consumer comes down to weighing the additional costs versus the additional savings. You’ll spend more initially on a higher-SEER system. That said, if tax credits, rebates, and lower operating costs more than cover that additional expense, it’s worth it.
Learn More About SEER Ratings in Omaha
Navigating SEER ratings and energy incentives can be challenging for homeowners. It can be a big help to have a skilled, experienced installer on your side. That’s where Xtreme Heating & Cooling LLC comes in. We’ve been helping area families in Omaha, NE choose the perfect systems since 2012. Our NATE-certified technicians install central air conditioners, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, whole-home dehumidifiers, and much more. Contact us at your convenience with questions about SEER and to schedule an in-home consultation.
