Air conditioning equipment is rated using a measurement called SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This is number derived from the following:
SEER = [Total Cooling Output Over the Cooling Season] / [Total Electrical Energy Input Over the Cooling Season]
A concise way to translate SEER number directly into energy cost is 15 SEER = 15 BTUs of Cooling/WattHour. In other words, an air conditioner that has a SEER rating of 15 will provide 15 BTUs of cooling per WattHour (Wh) of operation over the course of the cooling season.
Today, the most efficient air conditioning and heating equipment (20-21 SEER) has two stages of cooling and two stages of heat. These systems may or may not pay for the additional purchase cost with energy savings but they provide a whole new dimension of comfort by decreasing humidity, lessening noise from operation, eliminating large temperature swings, and providing better air movement in the home.
If you live in the New Orleans area and wish to discuss how a high efficiency system might suite your home comfort needs call Surgi's at 469-4232...we're happy to help.
