Understanding SEER Ratings and Their Importance
Shopping for a new air conditioner in Windsor, ON can be daunting. Like most homeowners, you likely have questions about AC refrigerant types, indoor air quality (IAQ), and efficiency. Fortunately, both regulators and AC manufacturers have made it easy for homeowners to make informed decisions with standardised measurements and rating systems. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings provide a straightforward method for evaluating the energy efficiency of air conditioners in terms of their ability to convert energy into cooling. Read on to learn what SEER ratings are and why they’re so important.
What Is a SEER Rating?
Although air conditioners don’t burn fuel to alter indoor temperatures, they indirectly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Their carbon footprints come in the form of grey emissions. These are the emissions generated during the production of electricity. By choosing highly efficient electrical appliances for your Windsor home, you can reduce grey emissions and limit your own carbon footprint.
In the U.S.A., the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) introduced SEER ratings in the late 1970s to establish a minimum efficiency standard for AC manufacturers throughout North America. In 1995, the Canadian government introduced the Energy Efficiency Regulations (EER) that established a SEER rating of 13 as the national minimum. The current minimum SEER rating in Northern Canada is 14.
Because SEER ratings establish the baseline for efficiency for AC manufacturers, you won’t find new air conditioners in Canada with SEER ratings lower than 14. Before bringing their products to market, AC manufacturers must ensure that they meet this standard.
What Does a SEER Rating Mean?
A SEER rating compares an air conditioner’s cooling output to the amount of energy it consumes over an entire cooling season. In essence, it informs homeowners about the amount of energy they’ll use to maintain a reasonable indoor temperature throughout the summer. Although a SEER rating won’t provide an actual dollar amount for your seasonal, AC-related energy use, it will help you reduce your costs. The higher your new air conditioner’s SEER rating is, the less you’ll spend on cooling equipment.
SEER 1 vs. SEER 2
When shopping for a new AC in Windsor, you’ll notice that many air conditioners have both SEER 1 and SEER 2 ratings. Some of the latest models might have SEER 2 ratings only. In 2023, Canada and other countries throughout North America switched to the SEER 2 rating system to ensure greater accuracy in SEER testing.
During SEER 1 testing, air conditioners operate in controlled settings to measure their performance solely as standalone cooling systems. SEER 2 testing utilizes M1 blower fans to evaluate the performance of air conditioners in ducted HVAC systems. SEER 2 testing offers a more accurate understanding of how efficient air conditioners perform in real-world settings.
While the current minimum SEER 1 rating in Northern Canada is 14, the minimum SEER 2 rating is 13.4. You won’t find new air conditioners for sale in Windsor with lower SEER 2 ratings.
What SEER Rating Should You Look For?
Air conditioners with higher SEER 1 and SEER 2 ratings cost more than ACs with lower scores. Air conditioners with SEER ratings of 14 to 18 offer a good balance between efficiency and affordability. However, if reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your seasonal energy costs are your primary goals, it’s best to target models with SEER ratings of 16 or higher.
What Are the Benefits of a High SEER Rating?
High SEER ratings allow eco-conscious consumers to enjoy seasonal cooling without feeling guilty. They also ensure modest, manageable energy bills. However, higher SEER ratings offer numerous additional benefits.
Save Money With Efficiency Incentives
If you have a Canada Greener Homes Grant, you can apply for high-value rebates for home efficiency upgrades. Replacing an old, inefficient air conditioner with one that has a high SEER rating will help limit your out-of-pocket costs for this installation. A high SEER rating could also qualify you for many provincial and utility-based incentives.
ACs With High SEER Ratings Last Longer
While a high SEER rating doesn’t directly contribute to a longer AC lifespan, it can limit ongoing wear. Efficient ACs don’t have to work as hard to get the job done. They run shorter cooling cycles and fewer of them. Efficient air conditioners have upgraded features like variable-speed motors, next-generation refrigerants, improved compressors, and integrated smart technologies, which reduce stress and overall operating times.
Improved IAQ
A high SEER rating can indirectly improve your indoor air quality. An air conditioner with a high SEER rating will provide better humidity control and more even, consistent cooling. Many high-rated ACs additionally provide enhanced filtration to both optimise operating conditions and maintain healthy environments.
We offer high-quality, highly efficient air conditioners from trusted brands such as Amana and Lennox. We also install them to their manufacturer’s specifications and provide expert AC maintenance and repairs. If you’re shopping for an air conditioner in Windsor, get in touch with Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling today! We offer financing on approved credit to help you get the system you need.