July is traditionally the hottest month in Ottawa and the time when many people really rely on air conditioners to get them through the hot, sticky days (and nights!). If you’re in need of a new AC to get you through the rest of the summer, make sure you take into account the SEER rating of your new unit to ensure maximum home comfort.
WHAT IS SEER?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the performance rating of your AC system. It’s calculated by dividing the total energy required in a cooling season by the total electrical energy required to run a central air conditioner system during the same period. Essentially, the rating is a ratio of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity to how much power is used.
SEER and EFFICIENCY
When shopping for a new AC, you should be looking for a unit with a high SEER rating. The higher the SEER, the less energy it will consume—which means lower utility bills and a decreased environmental impact! If your home’s air conditioner is over a decade old, you may find the SEER rating is significantly lower than most units sold today and as a consequence you’re paying higher monthly hydro bills.
WHAT ABOUT EER?
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is actually an older means of calculating energy efficiency than SEER because it’s missing the seasonal component of its rating. EER is calculated using a steady temperature instead of the varying temperatures of a typical cooling season. For this reason, the SEER rating is more accurate. Most often, EER ratings are found on the smaller window mounted air conditioners.
When shopping for a new cooling system, make sure to take the SEER rating into account. To determine the best unit for your home and needs, it’s best to speak to a professional air conditioning specialist who can assess your home and match you with the cooling system that fits your needs and budget.
Contact us today for your FREE air conditioning installation quote or
if you have any questions about your cooling system.
Team Harding is a locally owned and operated business serving the Ottawa region since 1994.
Harding Heating & Air Conditioning is a proud sponsor of the Ottawa Redblacks.
