When purchasing a car, smart buyers usually check the km-per-liter rating. When purchasing gasoline, they check the octane rating. And, when purchasing a central air conditioning system, they check the SEER rating.

The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) gives an indication of the performance efficiency of the system. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. The more efficient the unit, the lower the operating costs.

What your A/C SEER Means to You:

The air conditioning industry originally used an Energy Efficiency Ration (EER) to rate efficiency. This was a simple mathematical ratio of cooling output versus electrical power unit.

However, since then a more sophisticated test method that rates the performance of a unit over a wide range of operating conditions. The result – SEER – is indicative of the unit’s operation throughout an entire cooling season.

Bear in mind however, that SEER ratings compare equipment only. Many other factors, including how you use your home and the condition of the ductwork, affect energy use. That why it’s important to have a competent air conditioning dealer visit your home and evaluate your entire system.

It is also important to remember that the rating of an outdoor unit is based on a matching indoor component. As a result, it you replace an outdoor unit without replacing the indoor unit, you’re not likely to get the efficiency you expect.

When purchasing a system with a high SEER, you’ll use less energy to cool your house, resulting in lower electric bills. In many cases, these savings are enough to partially or fully offset the cost of the new equipment within a few years.

*Federal government guidelines for manufacturing have been raised to a minimum rating of 13 SEER.

R22 vs. R410A Refrigerant:

R410A is an EPA-approved, environmentally sound refrigerant that helps protect the atmosphere. As the cost of R22 rises, R410A may also be a more economical choice over the long term. It does not emit the chlorines that may deplete the protective ozone layer. Thorough factory testing has proven the reliability of R410A (also known as Puron).

Freon (R22)22 is the most commonly used refrigerant in residential homes today. However, per the Montreal Protocol, caps have been established to eliminate the production of Freon 22. In 2004, there was a 35% reduction; in 2010 there will be a 65% reduction; in 2015 a 90% reduction; and finally in 2020 a 99.5 % reduction in the production of R-22. This means that during the time of these reductions with high demand, the price of each pound of refrigerant could potentially skyrocket.

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Trane Air Conditioning 

Coleman Air Conditioning

 

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