1. What is SEER Rating?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the SEER formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units (cooling capacity)
• \( W \) — Power consumption in watts
• \( h \) — Operating hours

Explanation: The SEER rating provides a standardized way to compare the energy efficiency of different cooling systems.

3. Importance of SEER Calculation

Details: Higher SEER ratings indicate more energy-efficient systems, which can lead to significant energy savings and reduced environmental impact over the lifetime of the equipment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter cooling capacity in BTUs, power consumption in watts, and operating hours. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good SEER rating?
A: Modern air conditioners typically have SEER ratings between 13 and 21. Higher numbers indicate better energy efficiency.

Q2: How does SEER differ from EER?
A: SEER is a seasonal efficiency rating that accounts for varying temperatures, while EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures efficiency at a specific outdoor temperature.

Q3: Why is SEER important for consumers?
A: Higher SEER ratings typically mean lower electricity bills, though systems with higher SEER ratings may have higher upfront costs.

Q4: Are there minimum SEER requirements?
A: Yes, many regions have minimum SEER requirements for new HVAC installations, which vary by location and equipment type.

Q5: Can SEER be calculated for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to heat pumps in cooling mode, though heat pumps also have HSPF ratings for heating efficiency.