1. What is SEER?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. It represents the ratio of total cooling output (in BTU) to total energy input (in watt-hours) over a typical cooling season.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the SEER formula:

Where:

• \( Total\ Cooling \) — Total cooling output in BTU
• \( Total\ Energy \) — Total energy consumption in watt-hours

Explanation: Higher SEER values indicate more efficient HVAC systems that provide more cooling per unit of energy consumed.

3. Importance of SEER Calculation

Details: SEER rating helps consumers compare energy efficiency of different HVAC systems, estimate operating costs, and make informed purchasing decisions. Higher SEER systems typically have lower operating costs but may have higher upfront costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cooling output in BTU and total energy consumption in watt-hours. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good SEER rating?
A: Modern HVAC systems typically have SEER ratings between 13-25. Higher SEER indicates better energy efficiency.

Q2: How does SEER differ from EER?
A: SEER measures seasonal efficiency under varying conditions, while EER measures efficiency at a specific temperature (95°F).

Q3: Can SEER be used for heating systems?
A: No, SEER is specifically for cooling efficiency. Heating efficiency is measured by HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor).

Q4: Does higher SEER always mean better?
A: While higher SEER means better energy efficiency, the optimal SEER depends on climate, usage patterns, and budget considerations.

Q5: How often should SEER be calculated?
A: SEER is typically calculated during system design and selection. For existing systems, it can be calculated periodically to monitor performance degradation.