When you are looking for an HVAC air conditioning system, a few keywords will appear everywhere. The terms SEER and EER are frequently used. But what do these terms actually imply, and what are their differences? We’re here to help you as we share what we researched from the experts.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is used to rate the heat pumps and central air conditioners, while Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is usually rated for the window and portable air conditioners. Also, SEER measures efficiency at temperatures ranging between 65°F to 104°F, whereas the EER only calculates energy efficiency at 95°F.
In this article, we will explore SEER and EER in greater detail so that you will be knowledgeable when you begin the heat pump search So, keep on reading!
SEER Vs. EER
The energy efficiency of air conditioners is measured using both EER and SEER ratings. We'll examine how they vary since they measure the same thing.
Definition
- SEER: used to denote the practical energy efficiency of mini split air conditioners and central aircon systems. It is calculated as a weighted average of different EER ratings (25%, 50%, 25%, and 100%).
- EER: A term used to describe the theoretical energy efficiency of window and portable air conditioners. It is computed by dividing the maximum wattage of an air conditioner by the AC cooling output (BTU/hr).
Formula
- SEER = [1 x EER100%+ 42 x EER75%+ 45 x EER50%+ 12 x EER25%] / 100
- EER = [Max. Cooling Output / Max. Power Input]
Rating Explanation
Let's quickly go through the meaning of each rating. We'll start by examining the EER rating and then contrast it with the SEER rating.
EER Rating
The easiest way to gauge an air conditioner's energy efficiency is by looking at its EER rating. In effect, the SEER rating is essentially an application of the EER rating. It's crucial to realize that Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) measures EER under specified test settings:
- Outside Temperature: 95 °F
- Indoor Temperature: 80°F
- Relative Humidity: 50%
Accordingly, the air conditioners operate the room at these temperatures and relative humidity levels. Only two metrics must be measured in order to determine the EER rating, namely:
- Cooling Output: This determines the amount of cooling a room air conditioner can provide under the EER test conditions with the measured power input.
- Power Input: This measures the electrical energy that use to produce cooling. For test conditioners, AHRI merely measures the maximum power draw of the air conditioner, in a watt-meter.
We can now determine the EER rating using the formula mentioned above based on these two metrics. As for example, test conditions for the portable air conditioners are 95°F, 80°F, and 50% humidity.
The device may operate at a maximum power of 1,000W. Assuming that the air conditioner is running at 1,000W and the overall cooling output is 15,000 BTU/hr. Here is how to compute the EER rating:
- EER = [Max. Cooling Output / Max. Power Input]
- EER Rating = 15,000 BTU/hr / 1,000 W = 15
This indicates that the air conditioner has a 15 EER rating. Here are the typical EER ratings so you can get an idea of what an air conditioner’s good EER rating is:
- Portable air conditioners have an average EER rating of approximately 8.5 EER.
- Through-the-wall air conditioners have an average EER rating of approximately 9 EER.
- Window air conditioners have an average EER rating of approximately 10 EER.
SEER Rating
We don't usually experience outdoor temperatures of 95°F in the summer. We also don't always have 80°F indoors. Naturally, even the relative humidity values are not 50%.
This implies that the usual EER rating is not a very accurate indicator of how well the air conditioning unit would function under real-world circumstances, but the SEER rating is. The SEER rating's objective is to calculate cooling costs and energy efficiency more precisely than the EER rating.
When calculating the SEER rating, further tests are conducted in order to obtain that. Typically, 100% wattage is used to measure the EER value. It represents EER100%. Also, 75%, 50% and 25% wattages that represented as EER75% , EER50%, and EER25% , respectively.
Let's look at an example to see how SEER is computed using these four EER measurements. Considering the preceding example's 15,000 BTU air conditioner with a 15 EER rating.
- 100% load: [15,000 BTU/hr / 1000W] = 15 EER100%
- 75% load: [12,000 BTU/hr / 750W] = 16 EER75%
- 50% load: [8,500 BTU/hr / 500W] = 17 EER50%
- 25% load: [4,750 BTU/hr / 250W] = 19 EER25%
So, the SEER rating is,
- [1 x EER100%+ 42 x EER75%+ 45 x EER50%+ 12 x EER25%] / 100
- [1 x 15 + 42 x 16 + 45 x 17+ 12 x 19] / 100 = 16.8 SEER
As may be seen, the EER is 15 and the SEER ratio is 16.8. The SEER rating is typically always greater than the EER rating at full load.
The greater the figure in SEER and EER, the more effectively the appliance uses electricity. The SEER rating correctly evaluates seasonal energy efficiency, allowing EnergyGuide to calculate predicted year operating expenses based on the rating.
Good Ratings
Good SEER Ratings
In general, the efficiency of the unit improves with increasing SEER ratings. Modern units must have a rating of at least 13, and the majority fall between 13 and 21. However, some models may have ratings that are considerably higher.
On the other side, older and less expensive devices may have a lower rating. For comparison, the majority of HVAC systems made for builders have a SEER rating of 8 or 9. But bear in mind that the rating represents the HVAC system's highest practical efficiency. It might not always perform that well.
To make a comparison, SEER ratings work similarly to a car's fuel efficiency. A car may achieve up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway, but that doesn't mean it constantly runs at that efficiency. Your MPG is inevitably going to be significantly lower in city traffic.
Good EER Ratings
Department of Energy (DOE) declared that the minimum EER ratings for air conditioners in the South can range from 11.7 to 12.2, depending on the power input.
However, these are only minimums, and if your appliance performs significantly better than required, it will be awarded an EER rating that has been validated by ENERGY STAR.
For homeowners, ENERGY STAR-rated units have many advantages. It shows that if the unit has a great EER rating, better materials were used in its construction, and its environmental impact was considerably reduced.
Split-system and packaged air conditioners that are ENERGY STAR accredited must have EERs of 12 and 11.5, respectively. But these ENERGY STAR minimums for split systems and packaged air conditioners already increased their EER to 12.5 and 12 respectively as of January 1, 2022.
Also subject to ENERGY STAR criteria are heat pumps. For split systems and packaged heat pumps, the minimum EER for the ENERGY STAR is 12 and 11.5, respectively. On January 1, 2022, these EER minimums are already risen, reaching 12.5 for split systems and 12 for packaged heat pumps.
Costs
An air conditioner with a higher EER or SEER rating would normally cost more. Some homeowners may question whether the additional cost is actually justified.
However, if you intend to use your air conditioner for many years to come, utilizing more energy-efficient cooling for your home will save you money in the long term. The higher the rating, the more efficient and much quieter the systems are.
How Do the Two Ratings Differ?
SEER typically applies to heat pumps and central air conditioners, whereas window and portable units are more likely to use EER.
The air conditioner's efficiency is assessed at air temperatures ranging from 65°F to 104°F because SEER forecasts energy efficiency for a whole cooling season. EER, on the other hand, establishes energy efficiency at a fixed air temperature of 95°F.
At various temperatures, SEER is measured. That indicates that it refers to the starting and stopping cycle of the air conditioner. Additionally, since EER is calculated at a high temperature, it takes into consideration the air conditioner's continuous operation (steady-state).
Do These Ratings Matter?
For anyone looking to buy air conditioners, both of these ratings offer crucial information. On every new air conditioner, an Energy Guide sticker must be affixed in a prominent location. There are a few details on the label that you should pay attention to:
- Yearly Energy Cost Estimate: This information reveals the annual operating cost of the air conditioner. The price is calculated based on the national average electricity cost and is established by contrasting the unit with models of comparable capacity.
- Ratings: When buying a room air conditioner, check the label to verify if the EER is indicated. The SEER will be shown for units with central air conditioning.
- Energy Star: If the air conditioner has been independently certified to satisfy strict efficiency standards, an Energy Star seal will show. Some of the most economical air conditioners on the market come with this seal.
In Summary
EER is a standardized measurement of an air conditioner's efficiency, whereas the SEER gauges how effectively an air conditioner runs over the course of a season. The unit is more efficient the greater either ratio is.
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