What does SEER stand for? It is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating that every air conditoning system has. It’s the total cooling output the AC produces during a typical usage period divided by its total energy input during the same period. The higher the number the more economical it is to run your system.
The New York Exchange was the first large building to get central air conditoning….in 1902! AC was made available to homeowners and also made an appearance in cars in the 1950’s. AC’s were SEER 9 or less and keep in mind that electricity was alot cheaper back then….The minimum SEER number was upped to 10 in 1987 and in early 2006 to 13, the minimum required by law. This change alone made air conditioners 30% more efficient. ‘Energy Star’ homes must have an AC with a minimum of SEER 14 to keep that designation.
As with anything else, technology is making Air Conditoning units more efficient.Some residential units have a SEER rating as high as 26! In the US, enforcement of SEER 13 units is expected to save enough energy between 2006 and 2030 to power 26 million homes.