1. What is SEER?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. It represents the ratio of total cooling output (in BTUs) to total energy input (in watt-hours) over a typical cooling season.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the SEER formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Total Cooling BTU} \) — Total cooling output in British Thermal Units
• \( \text{Total Energy Wh} \) — Total energy consumption in watt-hours

Explanation: Higher SEER ratings indicate more energy-efficient systems, with modern units typically ranging from 13 to 25 SEER.

3. Importance of SEER Calculation

Details: SEER rating helps consumers compare energy efficiency between different HVAC systems, estimate operating costs, and make informed purchasing decisions for better energy savings and environmental impact.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cooling output in BTUs and total energy consumption in watt-hours. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good SEER rating?
A: SEER ratings of 14-16 are considered good, 17-21 are very good, and 22+ are excellent. Minimum SEER requirements vary by region.

Q2: How does SEER affect energy costs?
A: Higher SEER systems consume less electricity for the same cooling output, resulting in lower utility bills over the system's lifetime.

Q3: What's the difference between SEER and EER?
A: SEER measures seasonal efficiency under varying conditions, while EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures efficiency at a specific outdoor temperature (95°F).

Q4: Can SEER be too high?
A: While higher SEER is generally better, extremely high SEER systems may have higher upfront costs and longer payback periods that should be considered.

Q5: How is SEER testing performed?
A: SEER is calculated through laboratory testing that simulates a typical cooling season with varying temperatures and humidity levels.