Are you familiar with SEER and EER and how they can help guide you in your choice of central air conditioning for your home? They’re efficiency ratings that will tell you how energy efficient a particular air conditioner is. As a result, you’ll make an informed installation decision regarding the cooling system for your home.
What exactly is SEER and EER?
SEER or the seasonal energy efficiency ratio measures the cooling efficiency of a central air conditioner for a whole cooling season. It reflects how much energy is used to cool the air in your home. A high SEER means the unit is highly efficient. The Energy Star program in accordance with the Canadian Office of Energy Efficiency encourages Canadian homeowners to seek out air conditioners that have a SEER higher than or equal to 14.5.
Technological advancements account for a number of high-efficiency features on today’s air conditioners. Some units have a SEER as high as 17. These units always come with variable speed or two-speed high efficiency compressors.
The other efficiency rating, EER, or the energy efficiency ratio, measures how efficiently a cooling system functions when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level: the level typically used is 35 degrees Celsius. Like SEER, a high EER means the unit is highly efficient. The Energy Star program recommends A/C units that have an EER higher than or equal to 12.
How Do I Find the Efficiency Level?
You can find the efficiency level of a central air conditioning unit by looking at the EnerGuide rating located on the back of the manufacturers’ brochure. On the guide, you’ll see three numbers. The number on the top left shows the unit’s actual SEER. The two numbers on the bottom are the lowest and highest SEER possible in Canada.
To find the most efficient units, look for the Energy Star symbol near the EnerGuide. It’s proven that Energy Star qualified units operate 20 percent more efficiently than standard central air conditioners.
For more expert advice about air conditioning, contact Arpi’s Industrial Ltd. today. We’ve proudly served homeowners in the greater Calgary area since 1963.
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